Karen Knowlton

We visited Sitka while on a Cruise West cruise in May 2001. It was a Sunday, so only some of the shops were open. After a tour of the Raptor Center, we walked back into town, and stopped in at the Russian Bishop’s House, an original structure though largely restored, to look into some of the town’s history. It dates from about 1840, and is a frame and log structure, painted yellow. One of the rooms has floor and walls cut away in sections so visitors can see how the 18th- and 19th century Russians kept their homes warm – fascinating to see how they insulated with wood, gravel and canvas! On the upper floors is the relatively plush apartment and private chapel of the bishop, a contrast to the plain interior of the first floor. This house is now maintained by the National Park Service, and tours are given by park rangers. Hours may be limited, but if it’s open, it’s well worth a visit for the insight to be gained into Russian Alaska.

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