Alaska Pioneers Home


Across Katlian St from the Totem Square is the prominent, yellow Alaska Pioneers Home. Built in 1934 on the old Russian Parade Ground, the home is for elderly Alaskans. The 13ft-tall bronze prospector statue in front of the state home is modeled on longtime Alaska resident William ‘Skagway Bill’ Fonda.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Tlingit Clan House

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A beautiful Tlingit clan house, more impressive outside than in, that hosts regular performances from the Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Dancers in the summer.

2. Blockhouse

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A replica of the small blockhouses that the Russians utilized to protect their stockade from the Indian village, this octagonal wooden fortification was…

3. Totem Square

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An exposed grassy plaza close to the O'Connell Bridge and ANB Harbor, anchored by the famous Baranov totem topped by a carved image of Alexander Baranov …

4. Castle Hill

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Walk west on Lincoln St for the walkway to Castle Hill. Kiksadi clan houses once covered the hilltop site, but in 1836 the Russians built ‘Baranov’s…

5. Princess Maksoutoff’s Grave

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At the top of Princess Way lies Princess Maksoutoff’s Grave, marking the spot where the wife of Alaska’s last Russian governor is buried. A strategically…

6. St Michael's Cathedral

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Built between 1844 and 1848, this church stood for more than 100 years as Alaska’s finest Russian Orthodox cathedral. When a fire destroyed it in 1966,…

7. Russian Cemetery

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8. Sitka Historical Museum

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