Sitka in Sitka Borough, Alaska — Northwest (North America)
Sitka & Baranof Castle
State Historic Site
Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 11, 2026
1. Sitka & Baranof Castle Marker
This hill is among the most important landmarks in Alaska. Three eras of Alaska's history are represented by the people Tlingits, Russians, then Americans-who claimed and occupied the hill. This three-part history accounts for the many sites with Tlingit, Russian, and English place names, some as difficult to pronounce as they are to spell.
While exploring Sitka, notice the two spellings of "Baranof"/"Baranov," this site's namesake.
(Sidebar):
To "v" or not to "v"...?
The name of this park, Baranof Castle State Historic Site, embodies the phonetic spelling once common throughout Alaska. When transliterating the Russian name Баранов, should we spell it Baranov or Baranof? The Cyrillic letter "B" at the end of the name is equivalent to the English letter "v," so the accurate transliteration is indeed Baranov. However, "B" sounds like the English letter "f" when it is at the end of a word, leading many people to phonetically spell it Baranof.
...that is the answer.
Erected by Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation.
Topics. This historical marker is
this page online
Location. 57° 2.914′ N, 135° 20.221′ W. Marker is in Sitka, Alaska, in Sitka Borough. It is on Harbor Way 0.1 miles west of O'Connell Bridge (Local Route F-99), on the right when traveling west. Marker is located at the kiosk at the southern entrance to Baranof Castle State Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sitka AK 99835, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Alaska, in Tlingit and Haida & Tsimshian Region. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, in the Inside Passage, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Russian Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Forgotten Workers of the Russian-American Company (here, next to this marker); Story of a Hill (here, next to this marker); History of Castle Hill (1867-)
Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 11, 2026
2. Sitka & Baranof Castle Marker
The marker is at the far right.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 16, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
