Sitka in Sitka Borough, Alaska — Northwest (North America)

History of Castle Hill (-1804)

History of Castle Hill Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 1, 2021

1. History of Castle Hill Marker

Inscription. When the Kiksadi clan of the Tlingit Indians first migrated into this area from the south, they chose this promontory for the erection of their main houses. There were four of these community houses here when Baranof, governor of the Russian-American Company, first arrived in southeast waters in 1795. In deference to the Tlingits, Baranof selected a second-best site six miles north for the location of his post constructed in 1799.

During August 1804, Russian forces gathered in nearby waters to re-establish the Russian colony destroyed two years earlier at Old Sitka. In September these forces augmented by the frigate "Neva" moved into Sitka sound. Bestilled winds required the "Neva" to be towed into battle position off this site by over 100 bidarkas.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Native Americans • Wars, Non-US. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1804.

Location. 57° 2.92′ N, 135° 20.295′ W. Marker is in Sitka, Alaska, in Sitka Borough. Marker is atop Castle Hill in Baranof Castle State Historic Site. It can be reached via a stairway from Lincoln Street or an accessible but steep paved path from Harbor Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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. Men of the Hill (here, next to this marker); Noow Tlein

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(here, next to this marker); Ladies of the Hill (a few steps from this marker); American Flag Raising Site (a few steps from this marker); History of Castle Hill (1804-1867) (a few steps from this marker); In This Place (a few steps from this marker); American Sitka (a few steps from this marker); Alaska Purchase (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sitka.

Regarding History of Castle Hill (-1804). A bidarka is a portable boat, similar to modern kayaks, that is made of animal skins stretched over wood frames. They were widely used by Alaskan coastal natives and Aleuts.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. There are three in all.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 1, 2021

2. History of Castle Hill Marker

The John O'Connell Bridge over Sitka Channel is in the background.

Natives in bidarka (skin boat), Cordova, Alaska image. Click for full size.

Unknown via University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections (AWC7398), circa 1905

3. Natives in bidarka (skin boat), Cordova, Alaska

Credits. This page was last revised on September 8, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 8, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 173 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 8, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.