Sitka National Historical Park: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 57°02′56″N 135°18′57″W / 57.04888°N 135.31596°W / 57.04888; -135.31596
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{{short description|National Historical Park of the United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}

{{Infobox protected area
{{Infobox protected area
| name = Sitka National Historical Park
| name = Sitka National Historical Park
| iucn_category = V
| iucn_category = V
| map = Sitka
| map = USA Alaska#USA Alaska Sitka
| map_caption =
| map_caption =
| photo = Native Alaskan Totem Pole.JPG
| photo = Native Alaskan Totem Pole.JPG
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| visitation_ref = <ref name="visits">{{NPS visitation |accessdate=2012-03-19}}</ref>
| visitation_ref = <ref name="visits">{{NPS visitation |accessdate=2012-03-19}}</ref>
| governing_body = [[National Park Service]]
| governing_body = [[National Park Service]]
| website = [http://www.nps.gov/sitk/ Sitka National Historical Park]
| website = [https://www.nps.gov/sitk/ Sitka National Historical Park]
| embedded = {{Infobox NRHP
| embedded = {{Infobox NRHP
| embed = yes
| embed = yes
| name = Sitka National Historical Park
| name = Sitka National Historical Park
| nrhp_type = hd
| nrhp_type = hd | image =
| image =
| caption =
| caption =
| location= 106 Metlakatla Street, [[Sitka, Alaska]]
| location= 106 Metlakatla Street, [[Sitka, Alaska]]
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}}
}}
'''Sitka National Historical Park''' (earlier known as '''Indian River Park''' and '''Totem Park''') is a [[national historical park]] in [[Sitka City and Borough, Alaska|Sitka]] in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Alaska]].<ref name="redbook"/><ref name="history">{{cite web|title=Sitka National Historical Park: Park History|url=https://www.nps.gov/sitk/learn/historyculture/park-history.htm|publisher=NPS|accessdate=14 May 2016}}</ref> It was redesignated as a national historical park from its previous status as [[national monument]] on October 18, 1972.<ref name=stat>{{cite web|title=Public Law 92-501: AN ACT To authorize certain additions to the Sitka National Monument in the State of Alaska, and for other purposes|url=https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/STATUTE-86/pdf/STATUTE-86-Pg904.pdf|publisher=US GPO|accessdate=14 May 2016}}</ref> The park in its various forms has sought to commemorate the [[Tlingit people|Tlingit]] and [[Russia]]n experiences in Alaska.<ref name=comp>{{cite web|title=Superindentent's Compendium (2006)|url=https://www.nps.gov/akso/management/compendium_docs/2016-final/SITK2016FinalCompendium.pdf|publisher=National Park Service|accessdate=14 May 2016}}</ref>{{rp|7}}
'''Sitka National Historical Park''' (earlier known as '''Indian River Park''' and '''Totem Park''') is a [[national historical park]] in [[Sitka City and Borough, Alaska|Sitka]] in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Alaska]].<ref name="redbook"/><ref name="history">{{cite web|title=Sitka National Historical Park: Park History|url=https://www.nps.gov/sitk/learn/historyculture/park-history.htm|publisher=NPS|access-date=14 May 2016}}</ref> It was redesignated as a national historical park from its previous status as [[national monument]] on October 18, 1972.<ref name=stat>{{cite web|title=Public Law 92-501: AN ACT To authorize certain additions to the Sitka National Monument in the State of Alaska, and for other purposes|url=https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/STATUTE-86/pdf/STATUTE-86-Pg904.pdf|publisher=US GPO|access-date=14 May 2016}}</ref> The park in its various forms has sought to commemorate the [[Tlingit people|Tlingit]] and [[Russia]]n experiences in Alaska.<ref name=comp>{{cite web|title=Superindentent's Compendium (2006)|url=https://www.nps.gov/akso/management/compendium_docs/2016-final/SITK2016FinalCompendium.pdf|publisher=National Park Service|access-date=14 May 2016}}</ref>{{rp|7}}


==History==
==History==
The history of Alaska's oldest federally designated cultural and historic park dates back to June 21, 1890 when [[President of the United States|President]] [[Benjamin Harrison]] set aside the site of the Tlingit fort ''Shis'kí Noow'' ([[Tlingit language|Tlingit]] for "Sapling Fort") for public use.<ref name="crm">{{cite journal|last1=Griffin|first1=Kristen|title=Connecting the Past, Present, and Future at Sitka National Historical Park|journal=CRM: the Journal of Heritage Stewardship|date=Winter 2007|url=https://www.nps.gov/CRMJournal/Winter2007/research3.html|accessdate=14 May 2016}}</ref><ref name="draft">{{cite web|title=LONG-RANGE INTERPRETIVE PLAN|url=https://www.nps.gov/sitk/learn/management/upload/SITK%20LRIP%20Draft.pdf|publisher=NPS|accessdate=14 May 2016|pages=1–3|date=2008}}</ref> The site, located near the mouth of the [[Indian River (Alaska)|Indian River]], served in 1804 as the location of an armed conflict between the native Tlingit people and Russian fur hunters (accompanied by their [[Aleut people|Aleut]] allies), known today as the [[Battle of Sitka]].<ref name="draft"/><ref name="early">{{cite book|last1=Mathews-Benham|first1=Sandra K|title=American Indians in the Early West|date=2008|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=1851098240|pages=252–255|url=https://books.google.com/?id=mLZzCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA249&lpg=PA249&dq=Russian+fur+traders+Aleut+allies+Tlingit#v=onepage&q=Russian%20fur%20traders%20Aleut%20allies%20Tlingit&f=false}}</ref>
The history of Alaska's oldest federally designated cultural and historic park dates back to June 21, 1890 when [[President of the United States|President]] [[Benjamin Harrison]] set aside the site of the Tlingit fort ''Shis'kí Noow'' ([[Tlingit language|Tlingit]] for "Sapling Fort") for public use.<ref name="crm">{{cite journal|last1=Griffin|first1=Kristen|title=Connecting the Past, Present, and Future at Sitka National Historical Park|journal=CRM: The Journal of Heritage Stewardship|date=Winter 2007|url=https://www.nps.gov/CRMJournal/Winter2007/research3.html|access-date=14 May 2016}}</ref><ref name="draft">{{cite web|title=LONG-RANGE INTERPRETIVE PLAN|url=https://www.nps.gov/sitk/learn/management/upload/SITK%20LRIP%20Draft.pdf|publisher=NPS|access-date=14 May 2016|pages=1–3|date=2008}}</ref> The site, located near the mouth of the [[Indian River (Alaska)|Indian River]], served in 1804 as the location of an armed conflict between the native Tlingit people and Russian fur hunters (accompanied by their [[Aleut people|Aleut]] allies), known today as the [[Battle of Sitka]].<ref name="draft"/><ref name="early">{{cite book|last1=Mathews-Benham|first1=Sandra K|title=American Indians in the Early West|date=2008|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1851098248|pages=252–255|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mLZzCgAAQBAJ&q=Russian+fur+traders+Aleut+allies+Tlingit&pg=PA249}}</ref>


From 1903 to 1905, [[District of Alaska|District]] Governor [[John Green Brady|John G. Brady]] set about acquiring [[Alaska Natives|Native]] [[totem poles]] from all over Alaska for display at the park; the majority of the poles came from [[Haida people|Haida]] villages located on [[Prince of Wales Island (Alaska)|Prince of Wales Island]], while others had been on display at the 1904 [[Louisiana Purchase Exposition]].<ref>Patrick, Andrew (2002). [https://purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo41690 The Most Striking of Objects: The Totem Poles of Sitka National Historical Park.] Anchorage, AK: [[United States Department of the Interior|U.S. Department of the Interior]], [[National Park Service]].</ref><ref name="poles">{{cite web|title=Ambassadors for Alaska|url=https://www.nps.gov/sitk/planyourvisit/upload/Ambassadors%204.pdf|publisher=NPS|accessdate=14 May 2016}}</ref> Shortly thereafter, a group of influential Sitkans concerned about vandalism and the poor condition of the park in general pressured the federal government to declare the site a [[U.S. National Monument|national monument]].<ref name=history/>
From 1903 to 1905, [[District of Alaska|District]] Governor [[John Green Brady|John G. Brady]] set about acquiring [[Alaska Natives|Native]] [[totem poles]] from all over Alaska for display at the park; the majority of the poles came from [[Haida people|Haida]] villages located on [[Prince of Wales Island (Alaska)|Prince of Wales Island]], while others had been on display at the 1904 [[Louisiana Purchase Exposition]].<ref>Patrick, Andrew (2002). [https://purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo41690 The Most Striking of Objects: The Totem Poles of Sitka National Historical Park.] Anchorage, AK: [[United States Department of the Interior|U.S. Department of the Interior]], [[National Park Service]].</ref><ref name="poles">{{cite web|title=Ambassadors for Alaska|url=https://www.nps.gov/sitk/planyourvisit/upload/Ambassadors%204.pdf|publisher=NPS|access-date=14 May 2016}}</ref> Shortly thereafter, a group of influential Sitkans concerned about vandalism and the poor condition of the park in general pressured the federal government to declare the site a [[U.S. National Monument|national monument]].<ref name=history/>


[[File:Raventotemsitka.jpg|thumb|left|Detail of a raven head on a totem pole]]
[[File:Raventotemsitka.jpg|thumb|left|Detail of a raven head on a totem pole]]
The [[Sitka National Monument]] was proclaimed by President [[William H. Taft]] under the [[Antiquities Act]] on March 23, 1910 to preserve the fort site and totem pole collection and protect them from further harm.<ref name="redbook">{{cite book|title=THE NATIONAL PARKS Index 2009-2011|publisher=NPS|url=https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/nps/nps/part2.htm|accessdate=14 May 2016}}</ref><ref name="taft">{{cite web|title=March 23, 1910: A Proclamation|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kthTAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA645&lpg=PA645&dq=1910+Presidential+proclamation+setting+aside+Indian+River+Park+as+a+national+monument&source=bl&ots=KaXiAbSYZZ&sig=ACj5vAqTTf5-n1rsBhtjO_0WZl8&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiMyJeHsNnMAhVD62MKHfqSCfAQ6AEILDAD#v=onepage&q=1910%20Presidential%20proclamation%20setting%20aside%20Indian%20River%20Park%20as%20a%20national%20monument&f=false|publisher=US GPO|pages=644–645|accessdate=14 May 2016}}</ref> With the creation of the [[National Park Service]] in 1916, the monument fell under the new agency's care, though no significant appropriation was made until 1921.<ref name=history/> Many of the poles exhibited today along the park's two miles (3.2 kilometers) of wooded pathways are replicas of the deteriorating originals, now held in protective storage.<ref name="poles"/><ref name="walk">{{cite web|title=Sitka NHP: Take a Walk In Your Park|url=https://www.nps.gov/sitk/planyourvisit/upload/Talk_a_Walk_in_Your_Park.pdf|publisher=NPS|accessdate=14 May 2016}}</ref> Interspersed among the giant [[Sitka spruce]] trees are a variety of [[fern]]s, shrubs and flowers.<ref name="plants">{{cite web|title=Sitka National Historical Park: Plants|url=https://www.nps.gov/sitk/learn/nature/plants.htm|publisher=NPS|accessdate=14 May 2016}}</ref> [[Salmon]] can be seen swimming up Indian River during spawning season.<ref name="fish">{{cite web|title=Sitka National Historical Park: Fish|url=https://www.nps.gov/sitk/learn/nature/fish.htm|publisher=NPS|accessdate=14 May 2016}}</ref>
The '''Sitka National Monument''' was proclaimed by President [[William H. Taft]] under the [[Antiquities Act]] on March 23, 1910 to preserve the fort site and totem pole collection and protect them from further harm.<ref name="redbook">{{cite book|title=THE NATIONAL PARKS Index 2009-2011|publisher=NPS|url=https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/nps/nps/part2.htm|access-date=14 May 2016}}</ref><ref name="taft">{{cite web|title=March 23, 1910: A Proclamation|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kthTAAAAIAAJ&q=1910+Presidential+proclamation+setting+aside+Indian+River+Park+as+a+national+monument&pg=PA645|publisher=US GPO|pages=644–645|access-date=14 May 2016|year=1912}}</ref> With the creation of the [[National Park Service]] in 1916, the monument fell under the new agency's care, though no significant appropriation was made until 1921.<ref name=history/> Many of the poles exhibited today along the park's two miles (3.2 kilometers) of wooded pathways are replicas of the deteriorating originals, now held in protective storage.<ref name="poles"/><ref name="walk">{{cite web|title=Sitka NHP: Take a Walk In Your Park|url=https://www.nps.gov/sitk/planyourvisit/upload/Talk_a_Walk_in_Your_Park.pdf|publisher=NPS|access-date=14 May 2016}}</ref> Interspersed among the giant [[Sitka spruce]] trees are a variety of [[fern]]s, shrubs and flowers.<ref name="plants">{{cite web|title=Sitka National Historical Park: Plants|url=https://www.nps.gov/sitk/learn/nature/plants.htm|publisher=NPS|access-date=14 May 2016}}</ref> [[Salmon]] can be seen swimming up Indian River during spawning season.<ref name="fish">{{cite web|title=Sitka National Historical Park: Fish|url=https://www.nps.gov/sitk/learn/nature/fish.htm|publisher=NPS|access-date=14 May 2016}}</ref>


The 112-[[acre]] (45-[[hectare]]) park was placed under the control of the U.S. Army in 1942 and briefly occupied for defensive purposes, during which a series of military construction projects resulted in the removal of massive amounts of gravel from the park's river, shoreline and estuary.<ref name=redbook/><ref name=history/> Environmental impacts from the gravel removal were to be a major resource issue for decades after.<ref name=history/> Responsibility for the park was formally returned to the [[United States Department of the Interior|Department of the Interior]] in 1947.<ref name=history/> In 1965, a new visitor center (the park's first true visitor facility, which provides space for exhibits and demonstrations of Alaska Native arts and crafts) was opened.<ref name=history/> The park was added to the [[National Register of Historic Places]] in 1966.<ref name="NRHP">{{cite web|title=National Register of Historic Places, Alaska, Sitka County (sic)|url=http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/ak/sitka/state.html|publisher=NRHP|accessdate=14 May 2016}}</ref>
The 112-[[acre]] (45-[[hectare]]) park was placed under the control of the U.S. Army in 1942 and briefly occupied for defensive purposes, during which a series of military construction projects resulted in the removal of massive amounts of gravel from the park's river, shoreline and estuary.<ref name=redbook/><ref name=history/> Environmental impacts from the gravel removal were to be a major resource issue for decades after.<ref name=history/> Responsibility for the park was formally returned to the [[United States Department of the Interior|Department of the Interior]] in 1947.<ref name=history/> In 1965, a new visitor center (the park's first true visitor facility, which provides space for exhibits and demonstrations of Alaska Native arts and crafts) was opened.<ref name=history/> The park was added to the [[National Register of Historic Places]] in 1966.<ref name="NRHP">{{cite web|title=National Register of Historic Places, Alaska, Sitka County (sic)|url=http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/ak/sitka/state.html|publisher=NRHP|access-date=14 May 2016}}</ref>


In a groundbreaking arrangement, the '''Alaska Native Brotherhood''' assumed control of the demonstration program and established its focus on [[Southeast Alaska]] Native cultural arts in 1969; the '''Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center''' celebrated its 30th anniversary in January 2000.<ref name=history/> Many of the remarkable Tlingit artifacts in the collection were loaned or donated by local clans under agreements designed to ensure ongoing, traditional use.<ref name=history/>
In a groundbreaking arrangement, the '''Alaska Native Brotherhood''' assumed control of the demonstration program and established its focus on [[Southeast Alaska]] Native cultural arts in 1969; the '''Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center''' celebrated its 30th anniversary in January 2000.<ref name=history/> Many of the remarkable Tlingit artifacts in the collection were loaned or donated by local clans under agreements designed to ensure ongoing, traditional use.<ref name=history/>


==Russian Bishop's House==<!-- This section is linked from [[Sitka, Alaska]] https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/sitk/rbh_furnishing_report.pdf -->
==Russian Bishop's House==<!-- This section is linked from [[Sitka, Alaska]] https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/sitk/rbh_furnishing_report.pdf -->
{{main article|Russian Bishop's House}}
{{main|Russian Bishop's House}}
Located approximately one&ndash;half mile from the Park, the Russian Bishop's House was constructed out of native spruce in 1841-43 by [[Tlingit]] workers overseen by [[Finland|Finnish]] builders.<ref name=bishops>{{cite web|title=Russian Bishop's House|url=https://www.nps.gov/sitk/planyourvisit/upload/SiteBulletin_RussianBishopsHouse.pdf|publisher=NPS|accessdate=15 May 2016}}</ref><ref name="Finnish">{{cite web|title=The Finnish Connection|url=https://www.nps.gov/sitk/learn/historyculture/the-finnish-connection.htm|publisher=NPS|accessdate=15 May 2016}}</ref><ref name="Nomination">{{cite web|title=NRHP Nomination Form|url=https://www.nps.gov/akso/history/PDF/Russian%20Bishop's%20House%2066000025.pdf|publisher=NPS|accessdate=15 May 2016}}</ref> It is one of only four surviving examples of [[Russian architecture#Imperial Russia (1712–1917)|Russian Colonial Style architecture]] in the [[Western Hemisphere]].<ref name="Natgeo">{{cite book|last1=White|first1=Mel|title=Complete National Parks of the United States|date=2009|publisher=National Geographic|isbn=978-1-4262-0527-9 |page=515|url=https://books.google.com/?id=lMZL58PowDYC&pg=PA515&lpg=PA515&dq=four+examples+russian+colonial+architecture+in+America#v=onepage&q=four%20examples%20russian%20colonial%20architecture%20in%20America&f=false|accessdate=15 May 2016}}</ref>{{note label|Note1|A|A}} [[Bishop]] [[Saint Innocent of Alaska|Innocent]] (Ivan Evseyevich Popov Veniaminov) of the [[Russian Orthodox Church]], a clergyman, teacher and linguist, occupied the residence until 1853.<ref name="Menz">{{cite web|last1=Menz|first1=Katherine B.|title=Historical Furnishings Report: Sitka: Russian Bishop's House|url=https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/sitk/rbh_furnishing_report.pdf|publisher=NPS|accessdate=15 May 2016}}</ref>{{rp|7–8}} The Church operated the facility as a school, residence, and place of worship for another century, until the dilapidated condition forced its abandonment in 1969 and sale in 1973 to the Park Service.<ref name=bishops/><ref name="Russian">{{cite web|title=Sitka NPS: Russian Bishop's House|url=https://www.nps.gov/sitk/learn/historyculture/russian-bishops-house.htm|publisher=NPS|accessdate=15 May 2016}}</ref>
Located approximately one&ndash;half mile from the Park, the Russian Bishop's House was constructed out of native spruce in 1841-43 by [[Tlingit]] workers overseen by [[Finland|Finnish]] builders.<ref name=bishops>{{cite web|title=Russian Bishop's House|url=https://www.nps.gov/sitk/planyourvisit/upload/SiteBulletin_RussianBishopsHouse.pdf|publisher=NPS|access-date=15 May 2016}}</ref><ref name="Finnish">{{cite web|title=The Finnish Connection|url=https://www.nps.gov/sitk/learn/historyculture/the-finnish-connection.htm|publisher=NPS|access-date=15 May 2016}}</ref><ref name="Nomination">{{cite web|title=NRHP Nomination Form|url=https://www.nps.gov/akso/history/PDF/Russian%20Bishop's%20House%2066000025.pdf|publisher=NPS|access-date=15 May 2016}}</ref> It is one of only four surviving examples of [[Russian architecture#Imperial Russia (1712–1917)|Russian Colonial Style architecture]] in the [[Western Hemisphere]].<ref name="Natgeo">{{cite book|last1=White|first1=Mel|title=Complete National Parks of the United States|date=2009|publisher=National Geographic|isbn=978-1-4262-0527-9 |page=515|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lMZL58PowDYC&q=four+examples+russian+colonial+architecture+in+America&pg=PA515|access-date=15 May 2016}}</ref>{{note label|Note1|A|A}} [[Bishop]] [[Saint Innocent of Alaska|Innocent]] (Ivan Evseyevich Popov Veniaminov) of the [[Russian Orthodox Church]], a clergyman, teacher and linguist, occupied the residence until 1853.<ref name="Menz">{{cite web|last1=Menz|first1=Katherine B.|title=Historical Furnishings Report: Sitka: Russian Bishop's House|url=https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/sitk/rbh_furnishing_report.pdf|publisher=NPS|access-date=15 May 2016}}</ref>{{rp|7–8}} The Church operated the facility as a school, residence, and place of worship for another century, until the dilapidated condition forced its abandonment in 1969 and sale in 1973 to the Park Service.<ref name=bishops/><ref name="Russian">{{cite web|title=Sitka NPS: Russian Bishop's House|url=https://www.nps.gov/sitk/learn/historyculture/russian-bishops-house.htm|publisher=NPS|access-date=15 May 2016}}</ref>


In 1973, the Park Service embarked on a 16&ndash;year restoration project to return the property to its former glory.<ref name=bishops/><ref name="Russian"/> Modern plumbing, heating, and electrical systems were installed, while at the same time keeping the structure as authentic as possible.<ref name=bishops/> The second floor was restored to its 1853 appearance, based on archaeological evidence and early diaries and drawings.<ref name=bishops/> Today, numerous exhibits and lavish icons in the Chapel of the Annunciation convey the legacy of [[Russian America]].<ref name=bishops/>
In 1973, the Park Service embarked on a 16&ndash;year restoration project to return the property to its former glory.<ref name=bishops/><ref name="Russian"/> Modern plumbing, heating, and electrical systems were installed, while at the same time keeping the structure as authentic as possible.<ref name=bishops/> The second floor was restored to its 1853 appearance, based on archaeological evidence and early diaries and drawings.<ref name=bishops/> Today, numerous exhibits and lavish icons in the Chapel of the Annunciation convey the legacy of [[Russian America]].<ref name=bishops/>


The Russian Bishop's House is a [[National Historic Landmark]]; both it and the main area of the park are listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref name="NRHP"/>
The Russian Bishop's House is a [[National Historic Landmark]]; both it and the main area of the park are listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref name="NRHP"/>

[[File:Sitka spawning salmon 180906.jpg|thumb|Pink salmon spawning in the Indian River, Sitka, AK, September 2018]]


==See also==
==See also==
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==External links==
==External links==
⚫
* [http://www.nps.gov/sitk/historyculture/totem-poles.htm Totem poles in the park]
⚫
* [https://www.nps.gov/sitk/learn/photosmultimedia/index.htm Photos and multimedia presentations of the park]

{{Commons category}}
{{Commons category}}
*[https://www.nps.gov/sitk/index.htm Sitka National Historical Park] official website
⚫
*[http://www.nps.gov/sitk/historyculture/totem-poles.htm Totem poles in the park]
⚫
*[https://www.nps.gov/sitk/learn/photosmultimedia/index.htm Photos and multimedia presentations of the park]
*{{HAER |survey=AK-32 |id=ak0488 |title=Visitor Center, Sitka, Sitka Borough, AK |photos=7 |color=3 |cap=2}}

{{National Historical Parks of the United States}}
{{National Historical Parks of the United States}}
{{NRHP in Alaska by borough and census area}}
{{NRHP in Alaska by borough and census area}}
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{{Protected areas of Alaska}}
{{Protected areas of Alaska}}


{{Authority control}}
⚫
[[Category:Historic districts in Alaska]]

⚫
[[Category:Historic American Engineering Record in Alaska]]
[[Category:Historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places in Alaska]]
[[Category:National Historical Parks of the United States]]
[[Category:National Historical Parks of the United States]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Sitka City and Borough, Alaska]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Sitka, Alaska]]
[[Category:Historic house museums in Alaska]]
[[Category:Historic house museums in Alaska]]
[[Category:Museums in Sitka, Alaska]]
[[Category:Museums in Sitka, Alaska]]
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[[Category:1972 establishments in Alaska]]
[[Category:1972 establishments in Alaska]]
[[Category:Houses completed in 1842]]
[[Category:Houses completed in 1842]]
[[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Sitka City and Borough, Alaska]]
[[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Sitka, Alaska]]
[[Category:Parks on the National Register of Historic Places in Alaska]]
[[Category:Parks on the National Register of Historic Places in Alaska]]

Latest revision as of 05:30, 9 August 2023

Sitka National Historical Park
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape)
The Yaadas Crest Corner Pole, one of the many replica totem poles on display at the Sitka National Historical Park. The figures (from top to bottom) are: the Village Watchman, the Raven in Human Form, the Raven, and a Bear.
Map showing the location of Sitka National Historical Park
Map showing the location of Sitka National Historical Park
Map showing the location of Sitka National Historical Park
Map showing the location of Sitka National Historical Park
LocationCity and Borough of Sitka, Alaska, USA
Nearest citySitka, Alaska
Coordinates57°02′56″N 135°18′57″W / 57.04888°N 135.31596°W / 57.04888; -135.31596
Area112 acres (45 ha)[1]
EstablishedOctober 18, 1972 (1972-October-18)
Visitors186,864 (in 2011)[2]
Governing bodyNational Park Service
WebsiteSitka National Historical Park
Sitka National Historical Park
Alaska Heritage Resources Survey
Location106 Metlakatla Street, Sitka, Alaska
NRHP reference No.66000164[3]
AHRS No.SIT-012
Added to NRHPOctober 15, 1966

Sitka National Historical Park (earlier known as Indian River Park and Totem Park) is a national historical park in Sitka in the U.S. state of Alaska.[4][5] It was redesignated as a national historical park from its previous status as national monument on October 18, 1972.[6] The park in its various forms has sought to commemorate the Tlingit and Russian experiences in Alaska.[7]: 7 

History[edit]

The history of Alaska's oldest federally designated cultural and historic park dates back to June 21, 1890 when President Benjamin Harrison set aside the site of the Tlingit fort Shis'kí Noow (Tlingit for "Sapling Fort") for public use.[8][9] The site, located near the mouth of the Indian River, served in 1804 as the location of an armed conflict between the native Tlingit people and Russian fur hunters (accompanied by their Aleut allies), known today as the Battle of Sitka.[9][10]

From 1903 to 1905, District Governor John G. Brady set about acquiring Native totem poles from all over Alaska for display at the park; the majority of the poles came from Haida villages located on Prince of Wales Island, while others had been on display at the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition.[11][12] Shortly thereafter, a group of influential Sitkans concerned about vandalism and the poor condition of the park in general pressured the federal government to declare the site a national monument.[5]

Detail of a raven head on a totem pole

The Sitka National Monument was proclaimed by President William H. Taft under the Antiquities Act on March 23, 1910 to preserve the fort site and totem pole collection and protect them from further harm.[4][13] With the creation of the National Park Service in 1916, the monument fell under the new agency's care, though no significant appropriation was made until 1921.[5] Many of the poles exhibited today along the park's two miles (3.2 kilometers) of wooded pathways are replicas of the deteriorating originals, now held in protective storage.[12][14] Interspersed among the giant Sitka spruce trees are a variety of ferns, shrubs and flowers.[15] Salmon can be seen swimming up Indian River during spawning season.[16]

The 112-acre (45-hectare) park was placed under the control of the U.S. Army in 1942 and briefly occupied for defensive purposes, during which a series of military construction projects resulted in the removal of massive amounts of gravel from the park's river, shoreline and estuary.[4][5] Environmental impacts from the gravel removal were to be a major resource issue for decades after.[5] Responsibility for the park was formally returned to the Department of the Interior in 1947.[5] In 1965, a new visitor center (the park's first true visitor facility, which provides space for exhibits and demonstrations of Alaska Native arts and crafts) was opened.[5] The park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.[17]

In a groundbreaking arrangement, the Alaska Native Brotherhood assumed control of the demonstration program and established its focus on Southeast Alaska Native cultural arts in 1969; the Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center celebrated its 30th anniversary in January 2000.[5] Many of the remarkable Tlingit artifacts in the collection were loaned or donated by local clans under agreements designed to ensure ongoing, traditional use.[5]

Russian Bishop's House[edit]

Main article: Russian Bishop's House

Located approximately one–half mile from the Park, the Russian Bishop's House was constructed out of native spruce in 1841-43 by Tlingit workers overseen by Finnish builders.[18][19][20] It is one of only four surviving examples of Russian Colonial Style architecture in the Western Hemisphere.[21]A Bishop Innocent (Ivan Evseyevich Popov Veniaminov) of the Russian Orthodox Church, a clergyman, teacher and linguist, occupied the residence until 1853.[22]: 7–8  The Church operated the facility as a school, residence, and place of worship for another century, until the dilapidated condition forced its abandonment in 1969 and sale in 1973 to the Park Service.[18][23]

In 1973, the Park Service embarked on a 16–year restoration project to return the property to its former glory.[18][23] Modern plumbing, heating, and electrical systems were installed, while at the same time keeping the structure as authentic as possible.[18] The second floor was restored to its 1853 appearance, based on archaeological evidence and early diaries and drawings.[18] Today, numerous exhibits and lavish icons in the Chapel of the Annunciation convey the legacy of Russian America.[18]

The Russian Bishop's House is a National Historic Landmark; both it and the main area of the park are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[17]

Pink salmon spawning in the Indian River, Sitka, AK, September 2018

See also[edit]

Note[edit]

A Though some sources indicate that the Bishop's house is one of "four" remaining examples of Russian Colonial architecture in North America, the National Park Service more ambiguously suggests it is one of "few" remaining such examples.[23]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Listing of acreage – December 31, 2011" (XLSX). Land Resource Division, National Park Service. Retrieved March 19, 2012. (National Park Service Acreage Reports)
  2. ^ "NPS Annual Recreation Visits Report". National Park Service. Retrieved March 19, 2012.
  3. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  4. ^ a b c THE NATIONAL PARKS Index 2009-2011. NPS. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Sitka National Historical Park: Park History". NPS. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  6. ^ "Public Law 92-501: AN ACT To authorize certain additions to the Sitka National Monument in the State of Alaska, and for other purposes" (PDF). US GPO. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  7. ^ "Superindentent's Compendium (2006)" (PDF). National Park Service. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  8. ^ Griffin, Kristen (Winter 2007). "Connecting the Past, Present, and Future at Sitka National Historical Park". CRM: The Journal of Heritage Stewardship. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  9. ^ a b "LONG-RANGE INTERPRETIVE PLAN" (PDF). NPS. 2008. pp. 1–3. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  10. ^ Mathews-Benham, Sandra K (2008). American Indians in the Early West. ABC-CLIO. pp. 252–255. ISBN 978-1851098248.
  11. ^ Patrick, Andrew (2002). The Most Striking of Objects: The Totem Poles of Sitka National Historical Park. Anchorage, AK: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service.
  12. ^ a b "Ambassadors for Alaska" (PDF). NPS. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  13. ^ "March 23, 1910: A Proclamation". US GPO. 1912. pp. 644–645. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  14. ^ "Sitka NHP: Take a Walk In Your Park" (PDF). NPS. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  15. ^ "Sitka National Historical Park: Plants". NPS. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  16. ^ "Sitka National Historical Park: Fish". NPS. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  17. ^ a b "National Register of Historic Places, Alaska, Sitka County (sic)". NRHP. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  18. ^ a b c d e f "Russian Bishop's House" (PDF). NPS. Retrieved May 15, 2016.
  19. ^ "The Finnish Connection". NPS. Retrieved May 15, 2016.
  20. ^ "NRHP Nomination Form" (PDF). NPS. Retrieved May 15, 2016.
  21. ^ White, Mel (2009). Complete National Parks of the United States. National Geographic. p. 515. ISBN 978-1-4262-0527-9. Retrieved May 15, 2016.
  22. ^ Menz, Katherine B. "Historical Furnishings Report: Sitka: Russian Bishop's House" (PDF). NPS. Retrieved May 15, 2016.
  23. ^ a b c "Sitka NPS: Russian Bishop's House". NPS. Retrieved May 15, 2016.

External links[edit]

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