Sitka Honors Alaska Day: 159 Years Since the Flag Transition

On October 18, 2026, Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, the only Democrat in Alaska’s gubernatorial race, traveled to his hometown of Sitka to take part in Alaska Day commemorations. His visit coincided with the beginning of early voting for the upcoming general election on November 3. This year’s celebrations mark the 159th anniversary of Alaska’s transfer from Russia to the United States, which took place on this date in 1867.

During the formal handover, the Russian flag was lowered, and the American flag was raised on Castle Hill. Alaska Day is celebrated annually in Sitka, where a festival draws participants from all walks of life, reflecting both the history of the transfer and the diverse cultures present in the region. This festival serves as a reminder of the complex legacies of colonialism that still affect Alaska’s Native peoples today, as articulated in the National Park Service’s “Voices of Change” exhibit.