Alaska Day October 18th

Alaska bed and breakfast located in Sitka, Alaska.

"You can't believe how happy we are. Not only is this our honeymoon, but just the most fabulous way to see what we call "Gods" country. The cottage was wonderful and the view astounding. We felt so comfortable and at home even before we got here from your patience and wonderful e-mails. Hopefully on an anniversary we can RETURN!"
-Eric & Sylvia
 
 
2898 Sawmill Creek Road
Sitka, Alaska 99835

(907) 747-3313
http://www.eddystoneinn.com
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Alaska Day
Celebrating the day Alaska was bought by the United States.
In Sitka, Alaska, on October 18, 1867, the great land of Alaska was transferred from Russia to the United States. October 18th is now known as Alaska Day and is an official Alaska state holiday. Alaska Day is the anniversary of the formal transfer of the Alaska territory when the Russian Double Eagle flag was lowered and the Stars and Stripes were raised for the first time. The celebration takes place in Sitka, Alaska where the transfer took place.

The first recorded celebration of Alaska Day, in 1949, was highlighted by the unveiling of the bronze statue of "The Prospector" on the lawn of the Pioneer's Home. Molded by sculptor Alonzo Victor Lewis(1886 - 1946) in the image of William Fonda, better known as "Skagway Will." The two-ton statue is a tribute to Alaska's pioneers.

The U.S. bought Alaska from Russia in October 1867 for 7.2 million dollars, or two cents per acre. Many Americans thought this was a waste of money and it became known as "Seward's Folly." Learn more about the Purchase of Alaska.

Alaska Day is the largest yearly eve0nt in Sitka, Alaska with a week long celebration of activities and events. New Archangel Dancers, Road Race, Kayak Race, Open House at U.S. Coast Guard Air Station, Alaska Day Ball, Alaska Day Biathlon, Army Band Concert, Military Memorial Service, Parade, Transfer Ceremony 1867 Commemoration, Air-sea rescue demonstration by U.S. Coast Guard and much more.
Photos of Alaska Day in Sitka, Alaska.
Photos of Alaska Day in Sitka, Alaska.
Photos of Alaska Day in Sitka, Alaska.
Alaska Day Links:
History of the Transfer of Alaska
In the spring of 1867, word was received that the territory had been sold to the United States and preparations for the transfer should be made. On the 18th of October the Commissioners arrived in Sitka and the formal transfer was arranged.

The U.S. troops, 250 strong in full uniform, were landed about three o'clock and marched to the top of the eminence on which stands the Governor's house, where the transfer was to be made. A company of 100 Russian soldiers took their place on the left side of the flagstaff.

The official account of the affair as presented by Gen. Rousseau to Secretary of State William Seward continues: "... The troops being promptly formed, were, at precisely half past three o'clock, brought to a 'present arms', the signal given to the Ossipee... which was to fire the salute, and the ceremony was begun by lowering the Russian flag... The United States flag... was properly attached and began its ascent, hoisted by my private secretary, George Lovell Rousseau, and again salutes were fired as before, the Russian water battery leading off. The flag was so hoisted that in the instant it reached its place the report of the big gun of the Ossipee reverberated from the mountains around... Captain Pestchouroff stepped up to me and said, 'General Rousseau, by authority from his Majesty the Emperor of Russia, I transfer to the United States the Territory of Alaska' and in a few words I acknowledged the acceptance of the transfer, and the ceremony was at an end."

At the time of the transfer, Sitka was a thriving Russian colony. A shipyard had been established as soon as the buildings necessary for housing the garrison were completed. The first ship built on the west coast of America was launched in 1806 at Sitka, and the Politofsky, the first steam vessel constructed on the North Pacific, was launched in 1842. Sitka also had the first weather observatory on the West Coast, equipped with the latest magnetic and metrological instruments (established in 1832) . It had a hospital and apothecary shop, a museum, a library, the Russian Orthodox cathedral, a church for the Natives, a Lutheran church, and five schools. It had sawmills, a flour mill, a bakery, a tannery, and a saltery. A fish trap at Redoubt Lake took 60,000 sockeye salmon each year.
Photos of the October 18th, Alaska Day celebration in Sitka, Alaska. Alaska Day is a official Alaska State holiday and is celebrated in Sitka, Alaska with over a weeks worth of activities and events. The United States Coast Guard give rescue demonstrations and United State Military provide a marching band for the local parade.
Transfer of Alaska reenactment on Castle Hill.
 
Photos of the October 18th, Alaska Day celebration in Sitka, Alaska. Alaska Day is a official Alaska State holiday and is celebrated in Sitka, Alaska with over a weeks worth of activities and events. The United States Coast Guard give rescue demonstrations and United State Military provide a marching band for the local parade.
Transfer of Alaska
 
Alaska day celebration and information.
Alaska Day parade down Main Street.
 
Photos of the October 18th, Alaska Day celebration in Sitka, Alaska. Alaska Day is a official Alaska State holiday and is celebrated in Sitka, Alaska with over a weeks worth of activities and events. The United States Coast Guard give rescue demonstrations and United State Military provide a marching band for the local parade.
Open House at the USCG Air Station in Sitka.
 
Alaska day celebration and information.
Traditional clothing from 1867.
 
Alaska day celebration and information.
Alaska Day October 18th
 
 
Historical Fact:
On March 29, 1867, Baron Eduard de Stoeckl, Russian minister to the United States, and William Henry Seward, secretary of state under President Andrew Johnson, completed the draft of a treaty ceding Russian North America to the United States, and the treaty was signed the following day.
Smoking Policy:
Eddystone Inn is a non-smoking establishment.
Guests may smoke outdoors while enjoying
the wonderful scenery at their leisure.
 
© 2008 by Eddystone. Unauthorized duplication or use of photos & material prohibited.
Sitka bed and breakfast sitka alaska