Before 1867, this city that lends its name to a type of tree was known as Novo Arkhangelsk
The Final Jeopardy category for Friday, January 31, 2025, was U.S. Place Names, and the clue given was:
“Before 1867, this city that lends its name to a type of tree was known as Novo Arkhangelsk.”
What is Sitka?
Sitka, Alaska, once known as Novo Arkhangelsk (or New Archangel), was the capital of Russian America before the territory was sold to the United States in 1867. The city’s name change marked a significant moment in American expansion, and its history reflects the broader geopolitical shifts of the 19th century.
Sitka, located on Baranof Island in southeastern Alaska, played a crucial role in the Russian colonial presence in North America. The city was originally inhabited by the Tlingit people, who had settlements in the region long before Russian explorers arrived. In 1799, Alexander Baranov, the chief manager of the Russian-American Company, established a settlement nearby called Fort Archangel Gabriel. However, conflict with the Tlingit led to the destruction of this early Russian post.
In 1804, after a decisive battle between the Tlingit and the Russians, the latter established Novo Arkhangelsk as the capital of Russian America. This settlement became the administrative center of Russian-controlled Alaska, serving as a hub for the fur trade and other colonial activities.
The 1867 Alaska Purchase and the Name Change
Russia faced financial difficulties and logistical challenges in maintaining its North American colony. By the mid-19th century, the Russian government decided to sell Alaska to the United States. The transaction, known as the Alaska Purchase, was finalized on October 18, 1867, for $7.2 million. The formal transfer took place in Sitka, where the Russian flag was lowered and the American flag was raised, symbolizing the change in sovereignty.
Following the transfer, the city’s name was changed from Novo Arkhangelsk to Sitka, a name derived from the Tlingit term Shee At’iká, meaning “people on the outside of Shee” (Shee being the indigenous name for Baranof Island). The transition reflected the end of Russian rule and the beginning of American governance in Alaska.
Sitka’s Legacy and Its Role Today
After becoming part of the United States, Sitka remained an important administrative and economic center in Alaska. While it was initially the capital of the newly acquired territory, that role later shifted to Juneau. Despite this, Sitka retained its significance due to its strategic coastal location and rich cultural history.
Today, Sitka is known for its blend of Russian and Native Alaskan heritage, evident in landmarks such as St. Michael’s Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church that stands as a reminder of the city’s colonial past. The Sitka National Historical Park preserves the site of the 1804 battle between the Tlingit and the Russians, and visitors can explore the cultural legacy of the region through museums, historic sites, and community events.
Sitka’s Name in Modern Usage
Sitka’s name has been adopted in various ways, most notably in reference to the Sitka spruce, a tree species native to the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. This towering conifer, known for its strength and flexibility, has been historically used in shipbuilding and aircraft construction. Its association with the city underscores the deep connection between Sitka and its natural surroundings.
The city’s transformation from Novo Arkhangelsk to Sitka reflects the broader history of Alaska’s transition from Russian to American control. Today, Sitka stands as a testament to the diverse influences that have shaped its identity, from the indigenous Tlingit culture to Russian colonial rule and, ultimately, its place within the United States.