Novo-Arkhangelsk (Sitka under Russia)

Novo-Arkhangelsk, or New Archangel, was the Russian-American Company settlement at what is now Sitka, Alaska. Founded on September 29, 1804, after the Russian victory at the Battle of Sitka, it was designated the capital of Russian America in 1808 and remained so until Russia sold Alaska to the United States in 1867. Sitka National Historical Park, established in 1972, now preserves the battle site [1][2].

Founding

On September 29, 1804, the Russians went ashore at the Tlingit winter village. Yuri Lisyansky named the site Novo-Arkhangel’skaya Mikhailovskaya, after Baranov’s birthplace. By summer 1805, eight buildings stood inside the compound, including workshops, barracks and the Governor’s Residence, and a hilltop fortress with three watchtowers carried 32 cannons [1].

The Battle of Sitka

The Kiks.ádi clan of the Tlingit, led by war chief Katlian, fought agents of the Russian-American Company and the Imperial Russian Navy, with Aleksandr Baranov leading the company side and Yuri Lisyansky the naval force. The Tlingit had destroyed the Russian post Redoubt Saint Michael in June 1802. The Russians landed on September 29, 1804, Baranov was seriously wounded in a failed assault on October 1, and Lisyansky then bombarded the Tlingit fort, which the Kiks.ádi abandoned on the night of October 3–4. The Tlingit fort, Shís’gi Noow, was razed [1].

Capital of Russian America

Sitka was designated the capital of Russian America in 1808. It served as the administrative center of the Russian-American Company, whose history is covered in its own entry [1][2].

Tlingit Return

In 1821 the Russians invited the Tlingit back to Sitka, and they settled below the stockade on Blockhouse Hill under guard by Russian cannon. Sporadic Tlingit resistance continued until 1858, including an uprising in 1855 [1].

Transfer to the United States

Russia sold the territory to the United States in 1867, and the transfer ceremony took place at Sitka. The 1880 census counted 43 Tlingit at the Indian River [1]. See the entry on the Alaska Purchase.

Sitka National Historical Park

Sitka National Historical Park was established on the battle site in 1972. It displays totem poles, including the K’alyaan pole commemorating lives lost in the 1804 battle [1][2]. See the entry on totem poles of Southeast Alaska.

FAQs

What was Novo-Arkhangelsk? The Russian-American Company settlement at present-day Sitka, founded in 1804.

When was it the capital of Russian America? From 1808 until Alaska was sold to the United States in 1867.

Who founded it? Aleksandr Baranov and the Russian-American Company, after the Battle of Sitka.

What is there today? The city of Sitka and Sitka National Historical Park.

Why is it called New Archangel? Novo-Arkhangelsk is Russian for New Archangel, named after Baranov’s birthplace.

Sources

1. Wikipedia: Battle of Sitka
2. Wikipedia: Totem pole

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 12, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue