Sitka, with its stunning open-ocean setting, offers a unique blend of Alaska Native, Russian, and American history. Explore on foot to see highlights like St. Michael's Cathedral, Sheldon Jackson Museum, and Sitka National Historical Park. Once home to the Kiksádi clan of the Tlingit people, Sitka became a key site for the fur trade under Russian governor Alexander Baranof. Despite early conflicts, the town thrived as the 'Paris of the Pacific,' with shipbuilding and trade routes extending to Asia and beyond. After its transfer to the U.S. in 1867, Sitka regained prosperity during WWII. Today, it thrives on fishing, government, and tourism, offering visitors a rich tapestry of culture and natural beauty.