ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Oct. 18 has held special significance for Alaska since 1867 when territories that now comprise the state of Alaska were officially sold from Russia to the United States in Sitka.
In October of 1867, commissioners arrived in Sitka and the formal transfer commenced with the flag-raising at Fort Sitka, followed by United States Army troops marching to the governor’s house at Castle Hill to raise the American flag as the Russian flag was lowered.
The transfer ceremony is recreated each year and thousands of Sitkans and visitors line the streets and roads to watch. Although the ceremony is a one-day event on paper, there’s a multi-day commemoration, said Hal Spackman, executive director of the Sitka Historical Society.
“It’s not so much an event, it’s the culmination of events,” Spackman said. “My job is to promote Sitka history and culture and preserve that, but when you have thousands of people in Sitka talking about Sitka history and then you’ve got an interest statewide — and often nationwide — in this event, that’s pretty cool.”
Although Alaska Day events have been held in Sitka for at least 44 years, Spackman said, it’s likely been around since 1917 when it was first declared an official state holiday.
In addition to Alaska Day being a paid holiday for state employees, many businesses close in Sitka in recognition of the day and public schools release students early.
From the Sitka Historical Society brisket and pork shoulder cook off to the Alaska Day Ball, Spackman said there’s no shortage of activities throughout the week to look forward to.
Spackman said he personally looks forward to marching in the parade while dressing up as a member of the U.S. Army 9th Infantry, which was the first U.S. Army unit to arrive in Alaska.
“It’s this whole idea that we’re going to spend a week on history, not many communities do that,” Spackman said. “I think Sitka takes a lot of pride in that, they continue to do this, even though there’s been some challenges with keeping it going at times.”
While Alaska Day is rooted in history, Spackman said it’s also a way to promote their community. The local historian also said he’d like to see the annual events celebrated statewide.
“Sitka is a model that demonstrates the interest that people have in Alaska’s history,” Spackman said. “Whether you’re from Anchorage — which I think has a very short history, less than 100 years — or whether you’re from the Kodiak region, which has the longest history, or if you’re an Alaska Native person who has the very longest history, it’s just interesting … the importance of just understanding your state’s history.”
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Publish date : 2024-10-18 12:59:00
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