EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the ninth in a series by William S. Dodge, the first U.S. collector of customs in Alaska, who stayed in Sitka after the Oct. 18, 1867, transfer. Alaskans had no right to self-government, but Dodge and others wrote a democratic town charter and elected a city council with Dodge as mayor. Dodge’s account of Sitka’s first two years under the American flag appeared in the July 9, 1876, issue of the Alaska Herald, a San Francisco newspaper. Alaska historian Chris Allan discovered this history in a university archive and made it available to the Sentinel.
Part 9 of a series. Today: Sitka celebrates Independence Day, July 4, 1868, with parade, orations, boat races and banquet for 800.
By William S. Dodge
Alaska Since The Cession
REMINISCENCES OF SITKA, ALASKA
WRITTEN FOR THE ALASKA HERALD
INDEPENDENCE DAY
The celebration of the Fourth of July, 1868, was an event of unusual significance. It was worthy of the Council and the American heart. For the first time the Russian population recognized practically what was meant by American Independence Day. The Council made an appropriation of $250; citizens contributed $250 more. Mayor W.S. Dodge was selected as the Orator of the Day; Wm. H. Wood, Esq., as Reader of the Declaration; Joseph Lugebil (a citizen of Russian birth) to address his people in their own language, explaining the character of the occasion. Rev. J.O. Rayner, of the army, was Chaplain. Gen. Jeff. C. Davis, Commanding Department, aided very materially in every way. Battery E., Fifth Artillery, and Company D, Ninth Infantry; the post fire engine manned with a soldier company; a Liberty Car with a Russian girl as the Goddess, and another as Columbia; another car, decorated and seated full of young ladies dressed in white, representing the States and Territories, while an infant child, supported among the others, portrayed Alaska as the youngest of the sisters, the weakest and most dependent upon the grand cordon of States constituting the American Union—these, with citizens on foot made up the procession. The exercises over, during which Gen. J.C. Davis also made a few sensible and patriotic remarks, and a collation was spread which was ample for the entire population. More than eight hundred persons enjoyed the banquet. Purses were made up in the morning for two Indian boat races. The Hydahs, Chilcats, Tarkous, Ouchanous and Sitkas participated. It was an exciting scene, and the Indians entered into the rivalry with an ardor that was inspiring. The Hydahs won the first, the Sitkas the second race. The oration, discoursing largely upon local and Territorial interests as well as national, was requested for publication, and three thousand copies printed, all of which were sent wherever it was thought any interest might exist in Alaskan affairs.
I will merely say here, that the Fourth of July, 1869, was also duly celebrated. Hon. Samuel Storer was the Orator of the Day. There was a banquet, but no procession or other display.
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Thursday: Sitka gets its first newspaper. (We apologize for the error in the introduction to Tuesday’s installment. The metaphor is “tortoise” - not “rabbit” - vs. hare.) The editor.
