National Trust for Historic Preservation Names Sitka, Alaska, to its 2010 List of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations
First Year that Public Will Vote for Fan Favorite Destination
Posted February 3, 2010 | Contact pr@nthp.org or 202-588-6141
Washington, D.C. (February 3, 2010)—Today, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Sitka, Alaska, one of its 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. Sitka, nominated by the Sitka Historic Preservation Commission, was selected for its diverse cultural heritage, its citizens' strong commitment to protecting and celebrating all of their history, and its unique array of natural attractions and outdoor activities. In the month of February, Sitka will be participating in the first-ever public online voting contest for the 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations Fan Favorite.
For 10 years the National Trust for Historic Preservation has annually selected communities across America that offer cultural and recreational experiences different from those found at the typical vacation destination. From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and a commitment to historic preservation, sustainability and revitalization, the selected destinations boast a richness of character and exude an authentic sense of place.
"Sitka not only represents a unique chapter of America's story, but is also a wonderful place to visit, from the extraordinary wilderness to be found right in its backyard to the singular cultural offerings and delicious local dining," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Tucked away on the coast of Baranof Island in Southeast Alaska and reachable only by boat or plane, Sitka offers visitors a glimpse into the rich layers of Alaskan heritage. The island boasts a history dating back 10,000 years when the Tlingit Native people migrated to what is now the Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in the world. Later, Sitka became the capital of Russian America and was known as the "Paris of the Pacific." The U.S. purchased the Alaska Territory in 1867 for $7.2 million and Sitka remained the capital until 1906. Today, many of the sites and traditions that make up Sitka's cultural heritage, from commercial fishing to Tlingit and Russian dancing, are still at the center of daily life in this bustling town.
Highlights:
- The Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall, built in 1914, housed the first meetings of the Native Civil Rights campaign forged by disenfranchised Native Peoples of Alaska
- Evidence of Russian influence remains in the town center of Sitka with the iconic ca. 1848 Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel, an Orthodox Church still in use
- At Sitka National Historical Park, visitors can see historic and contemporary totem poles and the site of the 1804 Battle of Sitka between the Tlingit and the Russian invaders while hiking scenic trails through Southeast Alaska's rainforest
- The Sheldon Jackson Museum is the first concrete building in Alaska and houses the most extensive ethnographic collection of all the indigenous people of Alaska and the North Pacific Region
- Tlingit Dancers perform traditional songs and dances handed down for generations at the Sheet'ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Tribal Community House
- The New Archangel Dancers perform traditional Russian dances and promote interest in the area's Russian heritage
- Praised in publications worldwide, Sitka's restaurants craft locally harvested seafood into culinary delights
For the first time, the public will determine which of the 12 destinations will be the 2010 Fan Favorite. From February 3 to February 28, any legal resident of the U.S., 18 years of age or older, can vote as often as they like for their favorite city or town on this year's list. The winner of the popular vote will be announced on March 1, 2010. Voters are automatically entered to win a complimentary two night stay at any Historic Hotel of America. No purchase necessary. Offer void where prohibited. Visit www.PreservationNation.org/ddd for official rules, information about Historic Hotels of America, to learn more about this year's destinations, and to begin voting!
To download high resolution images and video of this year's Dozen Distinctive Destinations, visit www.PreservationNation.org/press.
The 2010 list of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations includes:
Cedar Falls, Iowa – With recreational activities ranging from kayaking on the Cedar River to shopping on its acclaimed Main Street, Cedar Falls delightfully connects a dynamic downtown with its natural surroundings.
St. Louis, Mo. – Destination highlights are nestled amongst the historic brick buildings that line St. Louis' cobblestone streets, proving the city lives up to its iconic status as the "Gateway to the West."
Marquette, Mich. – Named one of the 100 Best Art Towns in America, cosmopolitan Marquette offers wonderful views of the Lake Superior waterfront and an equally enchanting downtown.
Fort Collins, Colo. – The great Rocky Mountains overlook the thriving businesses of Fort Collins' Old Town Square – a vibrant area that so epitomizes the ideal of a bustling American main street that it was actually used as a model for "Main Street, USA" at Disneyland.
Provincetown, Mass. – This New England seaport town, site of the 1620 signing of the Mayflower Compact, positions fabulous galleries and restaurants next to National Seashore dunes and beaches.
Simsbury, Conn. – This quintessential small town appeals to the heritage traveler with its top-rated restaurants, historic sites and parks and real working farms that produce everything from wine to sweet corn to homemade ice cream.
Rockland, Maine – With great pride in its maritime past and present, Rockland blends tradition with an innovative spirit and delivers delicious dining opportunities as well as historic lighthouses and museums.
Chestnut Hill, Pa. – Enjoying a unique combination of colonial and modern history, Chestnut Hill features historic homes ranging from Federal to Modernist, a boutique shopping district, and recreational opportunities at nearby Wissahickon Valley Park.
Huntsville, Ala. – Still preserving the largest collection of antebellum homes in Alabama, Huntsville has grown from its deep southern roots to become "America's Space Capital."
The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail, Va. – The Crooked Road celebrates the region's rich Appalachian heritage, weaving together quaint historic districts that share a past steeped in a uniquely American music culture.
Bastrop, Tex. – Only 30 minutes from downtown Austin, Bastrop takes visitors back in time with traditional Texas charm and historic buildings set along the banks of the Colorado River.
Sitka, Alaska – Sitka prides itself on its diverse cultural heritage and offers a glimpse of a unique chapter of American history, while the extraordinary wilderness in its backyard beckons visitors to explore the largest temperate rainforest in the world.
2010 marks the eleventh announcement of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Dozen Distinctive Destinations annual list. To date, there are 132 Distinctive Destinations located in 46 states throughout the country. To see a complete list and to vote for the 2010 Fan Favorite Destination, visit www.PreservationNation.org/ddd. The title of Distinctive Destination is presented to cities and towns that offer an authentic visitor experience by combining dynamic downtowns, cultural diversity, attractive architecture, cultural landscapes and a strong commitment to historic preservation, sustainability and revitalization. In each community, residents have taken forceful action to protect their town's character and sense of place.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation (www.PreservationNation.org) is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history – and the important moments of everyday life – took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, eight regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America’s stories.
