Sitka in Sitka Borough, Alaska — Northwest (North America)
Church Between Two Peoples
Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 11, 2026
1. Church Between Two Peoples Marker
In 1849 the Church of the Resurrection was built into a portion of the fortified wall at this site. This unique church, situated on the divide between cultures, had two doors, one for Tlingit worshippers from their village and one for the priest from Novo-Arkhangelsk.
Czar Alexander I required the Russian American Company to support the Russian Orthodox Church's missionary work. The company paid for clergy, and built churches and schools. This was the foundation for Orthodox missionaries in Alaska until 1867.
In 1855 a skirmish at the gate in the stockade led Tlingit men to break into the church and fire upon soldiers within the stockade. A number of soldiers and even more Tlingit were killed. Two years after the violence, the church was reconsecrated as "Holy Trinity Church," and was used until 1875 when it was dismantled.
(Captions):
Russian Orthodox clergy who probably served Holy Trinity Church.
The Brotherhood of Saint Michael photographed early in the 20th century. The Tlingit participation is attributable to the work of Orthodox missionaries.
Tlingit in ceremonial dress.
Holy Trinity Church
this page online
Erected by U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.
Location. 57° 3.042′ N, 135° 20.315′ W. Marker is in Sitka, Alaska, in Sitka Borough. It is on Marine Street just north of Seward Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 205 Marine Street, 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: Russia Intrudes on the Land of the Tlingit (a few steps from this marker); Sentinel of
Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 11, 2026
2. Church Between Two Peoples Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 20, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 20, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
