Sitka

The Russian-American Company established itself here in 1799 and the Tlingit destroyed the post in 1802; the Russians returned in 1804 and the Battle of Sitka followed, after which the Tlingit withdrew rather than surrendered - a distinction the Tlingit maintain and the park now presents. Sitka was the capital of Russian America until the 1867 transfer to the United States, signed on Castle Hill. St Michael's Cathedral, an onion-domed Orthodox church of 1848, burned in 1966, losing its handmade bells, the large icon of the Last Supper and the tower clock, and was rebuilt to the original plans. Sitka National Historical Park holds a totem trail through rainforest on the battle site. Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano, stands across the sound.

What's there

• St Michael's Cathedral - rebuilt after the 1966 fire.
• Castle Hill - where the 1867 transfer was signed.
• A totem trail through rainforest - on the 1804 battle site.
• Mount Edgecumbe - the dormant volcano across the sound.

When to go

May to September. A full day.

What to expect

No road access - ferry or plane only, and both are weather-dependent. Rain is frequent. Cruise days crowd a small town. The 1804 events are contested history and the Tlingit account differs from the older telling.

Nearby

Baranof Island's coast is around; Juneau is north by ferry or air.

Key facts