This is the oldest town in Alaska, founded by the Russians. They came to hunt and exploit the sea otter pelts. Eventually the United States bought Alaska from the Russians for a few million dollars.
Sitka is a very pleasant town that is not full of tourist big name shops. This is because the city council has a law that store owners need to be from the municipality. This is a great idea.
We started out our visit seeing a bear rescue center. Then we moved into seeing the downtown. In the center of town is a beautiful Russian Orthodox Church dating from the founding of the town. We thought this was a worthwhile stop to experience an amazing church with amazing icons adorning the walls..
