Castle Hill, National Historic Landmark in Sitka, Alaska
Castle Hill rises above Sitka Sound with a flat summit plateau and steep cliffs on its southern side. The upper area offers multiple viewpoints with interpretive panels and overlooks of the sound and surrounding mountains.
The hill played a key role in the 1867 transfer of Alaska from Russian control to United States sovereignty. This political shift marked a pivotal moment in North American territorial change.
The hill served as an important location for the Tlingit people and later housed structures built by the Russian-American Company. The layered history of these two cultures remains visible through the archaeological remains found here.
The best time to visit is during clear weather when views of the sound and mountains extend far across the landscape. The climb is moderate, but the terrain can be slippery, especially after rain.
Archaeologists uncovered a fragment of a rare Raven's Tail Robe here, belonging to one of very few known examples of this extinct weaving technique. Finding such a textile is extraordinary and reveals the skilled craftsmanship of the original inhabitants.
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