Sitka in Sitka Borough, Alaska — Northwest (North America)
St. Michael's Cathedral
Photographed By Alvis Hendley, May 16, 2011
1. St. Michael's Cathedral Marker
Has been designated a Registered National Historic Landmark
Under the provisions of the Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935
This site possesses exceptional value in commemorating and illustrating the history of the United States
Erected 1963 by U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1844.
Location. 57° 3.001′ N, 135° 20.122′ W. Marker is in Sitka, Alaska, in Sitka Borough. Marker is on Lincoln Street when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 240 Lincoln Street, Sitka AK 99835, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral (a few steps from this marker); Sitka Lutheran Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Sitka Woman's Club (within shouting distance of this marker); Staton's Steakhouse and Cocktail Lounge (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Tilson Building (about 300 feet away); Forest Service House (about 300 feet away);
this page online
More about this marker. Marker is mounted on the church beside the front door.
Regarding St. Michael's Cathedral.
The Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel was listed on the NRHP in 1966. The nomination reads in part:
Sitka was the capital of Russian America from 1808 until 1906. The Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel was at the center of Russian cultural influence in 19th century North America.
The Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel is an excellent example of Russian church architecture, incorporating classic Russian features of the cruciform design with elements of the Italian Rococo which was popular in Russia in the early 19th century.
The cathedral was designed by the first Bishop of Alaska, Bishop Innocent, who was known for his religious writings as well as works on Alaskan ethnography, linguistics and history. Innocent was declared a saint by the Orthodox Christian church in 1977.
The present building is a reconstruction of the original which
Photographed By Alvis Hendley, May 16, 2011
2. The markers are mounted beside the front door.
The cathedral was the largest and most imposing religious edifice in Alaska until well into the 20th century. It remains a house of worship and the seat of the Orthodox Bishop of Sitka and Alaska.
Photographed By Alvis Hendley, May 16, 2011
3. Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel from the Rear
Photographed By Alvis Hendley, May 16, 2011
4. Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel
Photographed By Edward deGroff, circa 1886
5. Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel c1886
Photograph by Edward deGroff c.1886-1890
Courtesy Anchorage Museum of History and Art
Photograph submitted with National Register of Historic Places nomination
Courtesy Anchorage Museum of History and Art
Photograph submitted with National Register of Historic Places nomination
Photographed By Alvis Hendley, May 16, 2011
6. National Historic Landmark plaque
National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 4, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 17, 2019, by Alvis Hendley of San Francisco, California. This page has been viewed 217 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 17, 2019, by Alvis Hendley of San Francisco, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
