Sitka

Called by the Ru ians New Archangel, is the most important settlement in Alaska. It is situated on the west side of Bar an off Island, in lat. 57° 3′. The population is mainly composed of Indians and Ru ian half-breeds. A census taken in 1875 made the total number, excluding Indians, 502. For many years Sitka was the headquarters of the Ru ian American Company. Upon the transfer of the Territory, in 1867, to the United States, Sitka became the headquarters of the military department of Alaska. It remained an army post till 1877, when the garrison was withdrawn. The inhabitants are at present protected from the Indians by a naval ve el.