Sheldon Jackson College

Sheldon Jackson College is a historic educational institution in Sitka on the western coast of Baranof Island, featuring multiple buildings in Gothic and Colonial Revival styles. The campus preserves 19th-century structures that document its academic past.

The college was founded in 1878 as a Presbyterian missionary school and later received National Historic Landmark designation for its role in Alaska's educational development. This recognition honored the institution's significance as a pioneering school in the region.

The buildings show how Presbyterian teaching and local Alaska Native traditions came together, particularly through specialized programs that bridged both worlds.

The college grounds are accessible for exploration and feature well-preserved buildings plus exhibits on Alaska's academic history. Visitors should know the campus sits in a temperate oceanic climate, and Sitka is reachable by boat or plane.

The building ensemble blends European Gothic and North American design traditions in an unusual way, creating a style seen nowhere else in Alaska. This architectural mix came from the intention to shape Alaska's educational landscape.

Location: Sitka

Inception: 1878

GPS coordinates: 57.05083,-135.32083

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:56