History of Castle Hill (1804-1867)

In 1804, Baranof and his party landed and parleyed with the Kiksadi, who refused to permit another settlement. When the Russians attacked this hill, they found the Kiksadi had moved to their fort one-quarter mile east on Indian River. After the battle and siege at Indian River, this hill, known to the Kiksadi as the "Knoo-tlian," was rapidly fortified by the Russians with guns, a log palisade, and a two-room log house. By 1810, a larger dwelling, home of Baranof, was well furnished with European furniture, works of art, and a large library. A new two-story Governor's House, known as Baranof's Castle, was constructed here in 1837. Nineteen years after Baranof's retirement, it was here, in front of the castle, that the transfer ceremony took place on October 18, 1867.

Sitka, Alaska · United States