First Capital of Alaska
Stories of our journey to Alaska continues.
While these days we read and hear about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we had to travel to Sitka to learn about the Russian invasion of Alaska many years ago. In 1799, a Russian American Company arrived where Alaskan Natives lived for thousands of years. Russians brought with them iron tools and cotton clothing and were welcomed. However, after they violated territorial claims, clashes led to the Russians occupying their land and eventually established their presence by naming Sitka the Russian American capital and the major trading center for sea otter furs, which were in big demand in China. Russians planned to use Sitka for their colonization of America. They managed to get as far as what still exists today, Fort Ross in Northern California. But after they lost the Crimean War and ran out of money to support their operation.
In far-away Alaska, their solution was to sell what did not belong to them in the first place. And all of this happened right here in Sitka. What was left – the Russian Bishop’s House and St. Michael’s Cathedral, both National Historic Landmarks today. Sitka is a popular cruise lines destination. During our visit, five ships stopped by. Downtown Sitka and the nearby Sitka National Historical Park were flooded with thousands of visitors who were very happy to leave their dollars in the store selling Russian Matryoshkas (nesting dolls). The sign on the door said “We support Ukraine.”
Russians left Sitka long time ago, but the memory of their presence is still here, as you can see from these three images.
Enjoy and Share Love!
