Introduction Sitka, Alaska
Sitka, Alaska, in Sitka county, is 630 miles SE of Anchorage, Alaska.
Sitka History
Sitka was originally inhabited by the Tlingit Indians. The town derived its name from an Indian term meaning 'people on the outside of shee.' In fact, it was derived from the Tlingit words 'Shee Atika.' It became the capital of Russian America in 1808. It was the first capital of Alaska and remained so until 1912. The official transfer of Alaska to the United States took place at Sitka on October 18, 1867. The city's fortunes declined until World War II. Sitka was incorporated on December 2, 1971.
Sitka and nearby Attractions
- Isabel Miller Museum
- Sheldon Jackson Museum
- Sitka National Historic Park
- Baranof Castle State Historic Site
Things To Do In Sitka
The city of Sitka has a few museums worth visiting including the Sitka Historical Museum, which supplies information through it informative displays of the Tlingits, Finns, early Americans, and Russian settlers. The Kettleson Memorial Library is also worth visiting. At Sitka Wildlife Quest one has an opportunity to watch sea otters, puffins, bald eagles, and humpback whales in their natural habitat.
Sitka Transportation
The Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport provides facilities for air travel.
Sitka Higher Education
The University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Anchorage, Peninsula College, Whatcom Community College, and Skagit Valley College offer higher education facilities.