| Brief Sitka National Totem historical Park -
Sitka Alaska National Totem Historical Park
Alaska's oldest federally designated park was established
in 1910 to commemorate the 1804 Battle of Sitka. All that remains
of this last major conflict between Europeans and Alaska Natives
is the site of the Tlingit Fort and battlefield, located within
this scenic 113 acre park in a temperate rain forest.
Southeast Alaska totem poles and a temperate rain forest setting
combine to provide spectacular scenery along the park's coastal
trail. The trail circles back along Indian River to the visitor
center. Another loop trail continues across the Indian River footbridge
past the Memorial to the Russian Midshipmen who died in the Battle
of Sitka.
The park's story continues at the Russian Bishop's House, one of
the last surviving examples of Russian colonial architecture in
North America. This original 1843 log structure conveys the legacy
of Russian America through exhibits, refurbished Bishop's living
quarters and lavish icons in the Chapel of the Annunciation.
Carved History - Sitka Alaska National Totem
Historical Park
The totem poles in the park are exhibited along a scenic coastal
trail. Traditionally, the totems would not have been arranged in
such a neat line. Where would the totem poles have stood? Just for
a moment, imagine that you are an explorer in the early 19th century,
sailing through southeast Alaska. As you come around a point, a
native village comes into view. Close by the water are numerous
single story rectangular houses. And towering above the houses,
at the corners and in front of them, are carved poles with striking
designs and colors.
With their striking designs and colors, totem poles are bold statements
of the identities and stories of the people who carved them. A totem
pole generally served one of four purposes.
Crest poles give the ancestry of particular family. - History poles
record the history of a clan. - Legend poles illustrate folklore
or real life experiences. - Memorial poles commemorate a particular
individual.
Many poles exhibited along the park's wooded pathways are copies
of deteriorating originals now in storage. Alaska's District Governor
John G. Brady brought a sizable collection of totem poles to Sitka
in 1905. These histories carved in cedar were rounded up from villages
throughout southeastern Alaska. Only a few poles are originally
from Sitka, although this art form is very much a part of Tlingit
tradition.
Operating Hours & Seasons - Sitka Alaska
National Totem Historical Park
Mid-May through September 30: The visitor center is open
daily, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Russian Bishop's House is open
daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
October through Mid-May: The Visitor Center is open Monday through
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Russian Bishop's House is open
by appointment only.
Getting to Sitka Alaska:
Sitka is located on Baranof Island on Alaska's southeastern panhandle.
No roads reach Sitka from the mainland; the city is accessible only
by air or sea. Commercial airlines fly directly from Seattle, Juneau
and Anchorage. Alaska Airlines - Alaska
Marine Highway
Public Transportation
Sitka is also a port of call for ferries on the Alaska Marine Highway
System.
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