Overview
Sitka was the capital of Russian America, and its onion-domed cathedral and historic sites reflect that past.
History
The Russian settlement, called New Archangel, became the colony's capital in the early 1800s. On October 18, 1867, the U.S. took formal possession of Alaska on Castle Hill in Sitka, a date now celebrated as Alaska Day. St. Michael's Cathedral burned in 1966 and was rebuilt.
Today
Historic sites, Russian dance performances and Alaska Day celebrations keep the history alive.
Compiled October 2026. History is summarized for general interest; check primary sources for research. This landmark is local context, not an employer or job listing.