Sitka, Alaska – The relationship between the Russians and the Tlingit was complex (which is probably true of all indigenous populations and colonizers). In 1802, the Tlingit drove the Russians away from their original settlement at Old Sitka. But a…
Old Sitka
Sitka, Alaska – Foggy day bike ride out to Old Sitka, the site of the original Russian settlement from 1799. The Russians and the Tlingit actually cooperated for several years, but relations were tense. Finally–in retaliation for a bunch of…
Capital of Russian America
Sitka, Alaska – We made it to our last stop, Sitka, the capital of Russian America. Here, more than anywhere, Alaska’s Russian history and heritage are on display. It makes sense that this is where most of our story in…
Alaska State Museum
Juneau, Alaska – When we weren’t busy climbing mountains, hanging out with humpback whales, and exploring glaciers, Daddio and I have spent our time in Juneau doing research for our forthcoming book, The Last Stand of the Raven Clan. This…
The First City
Ketchikan, Alaska – After its founding in 1900, Ketchikan became the first port of call for ships traveling to Alaska from the south, thus earning its nickname, The First City. Nowadays, it’s no different, as cruise ships stop here first…
Totems and More Totems
Ketchikan, Alaska – Apparently, Ketchikan contains the largest collection of Native American totem poles in the world (more than 80, if anyone is counting). I was not counting, but we have seen totems and more totems. I suspect the twins…
The Legend of the Fog Woman
The legend of the Fog Woman is a story that the native Tlingit used to explain the bounty of salmon during certain months and the disappearance of salmon in other months. Ketchikan, Alaska – The salmon are running! They are…
Fort Elizabeth
Waimea, Kaua’i – Fun fact: when the Russian were actively exploring and settling the Pacific Northwest, they made it all the way down to Hawai’i. Starting in 1815, they built three forts on Kauai, skirmished with the natives, and were…
Hawai’i is far
Kilauea, Kauai – Wow, Hawai’i is far. Six time zones, to be exact. That’s like going to Europe, but in the opposite direction. And let me tell you, it was not easy to get here. With the recent spike in…
Russian Sites in Northern California
Bodega Bay, California – Everybody knows that Alaska used to belong to Russia. But most people don’t realize that the Russians were actively exploring, hunting, trading and settling the Pacific Northwest, starting in the late 18th century. Yes, settling–like Russian…