Published: July 3rd, 2008 12:18 AM
Last Modified: July 3rd, 2008 12:55 AM
SITKA
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POPULATION: 8,644 (2007)
LOCATION: On the west coast of Baranof Island, fronting the Pacific Ocean on Sitka Sound, 95 air miles southwest of Juneau.
DESCRIPTION: A major city, port of call and recreational gateway to the Gulf of Alaska and Tongass National Forest. The economy is diversified -- fishing, fish processing, tourism, government, transportation, retail and health care services. Cruise ships bring more than 200,000 visitors annually and inject millions into the local economy. A quarter of the population is Alaska Native, and 586 residents hold commercial fishing permits. In 2000, gross fishing revenues of residents was more than $20 million. There are 6 schools, attended by about 1,550 students.
HISTORY: Sitka was originally inhabited by a major tribe of Tlingits who called the village "Shee Atika." It was discovered by the Russian Vitus Bering in 1741, and the site became "New Archangel" in 1799. St. Michael's Redoubt trading post and fort were built.Tlingits burned down the fort and looted the warehouse in 1802, the last major stand by the Tlingits against the Russians.
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