Russian Blockhouse, Sitka

Serving as a replica of the original walled fortifications that delineated Russia's control, the Russian Blockhouse offers visitors insight into the defensive structures that once guarded Novo-Archangelsk, present-day Sitka. Originally, the Russians erected a capital D-shaped five-sided blockhouse at this site, strategically positioned to overlook the gate between the Russian outpost and the neighboring Tlingit village. Additionally, an octagonal blockhouse and a small square blockhouse were strategically placed within the vicinity, each fulfilling specific defensive purposes.

Historical records indicate that the original blockhouses gradually fell into disrepair following significant events such as the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States in 1867. Over time, decay and neglect took their toll, leading to the dismantling of the D-shaped and octagonal blockhouses in 1899 and 1921, respectively.
However, recognizing the historical significance of these structures, civic-minded citizens, including the Alaska Native Brotherhood, undertook initiatives to preserve their legacy. Consequently, in 1962, a second octagonal reproduction blockhouse was constructed at the site of the Sitka National Monument, ensuring that future generations could appreciate and learn from this crucial aspect of Alaska's colonial history.