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

History of Castle Hill (1804-1867)

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. Baranof and his party landed and parleyed with the Kiksadi who refused to permit another settlement. When the Russians attacked this hill they found the Kiksadi had moved to their fort ¼ mile east on Indian River.

After the battle and siege at Indian River this hill, known to the Kiksadi as the "Knoo-tlian", was rapidly fortified by the Russians with guns, a log palisade and two-room log house. By 1810 a larger dwelling, home of Baranof, was well furnished with European furniture, works of art and a large library.

A new two-story Governor's House, known as Baranof's Castle, was constructed here in 1837. Nineteen years after Baranof's retirement, it was here, in front of the castle, that the transfer ceremony took place on October 18, 1867.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Native Americans. A significant historical date for this entry is October 18, 1867.

Location. 57° 2.914′ N, 135° 20.288′ 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. Ladies of the Hill (here, next to this marker); Men of the Hill

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(a few steps from this marker); In This Place (a few steps from this marker); History of Castle Hill (-1804) (a few steps from this marker); A Town for an Empire (a few steps from this marker); History of Castle Hill (1867-) (a few steps from this marker); Noow Tlein (a few steps from this marker); American Flag Raising Site (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sitka.

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

Baranof Castle on Castle Hill, between 1867 and 1894 image. Click for full size.

Via University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections (AWC1131) / Fair use

3. Baranof Castle on Castle Hill, between 1867 and 1894

Alexandr Andreyevich Baranov image. Click for full size.

Mikhail T. Tikhanov / Public domain, 1818

4. Alexandr Andreyevich Baranov

This painting of the first governor of Russian America is on display in the State History Museum in Moscow.

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 222 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 8, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.