Founded by Russian fur traders as New Archangel in 1799, Sitka was the center of Russia's Alaskan empire until the U.S. bought Alaska in 1867 and raised the Stars and Stripes. Today, picturesque Sitka is known for fishing, a summer classical music festival, and historic attractions. On clear days, it rivals Juneau for scenery and is the only city in southeast Alaska that fronts the Pacific Ocean.

In 1880, Joe Juneau and Richard Harris were prospecting for gold with the help of Indian guides. Here they discovered nuggets "as large as beans" at the mouth of the aptly named Gold Creek. Out of their discoveries came three of the largest gold digs in the world where more than $150 million in gold was mined. Juneau's surrounding beauty and natural wonders have attracted cruise ship travelers for over a century, with steamship companies bringing tourists here since the early 1880's.

Ketchikan, on the southwest side of Revillagigedo Island, grew around salmon canneries and sawmills. Its name is said to come from the native term "Katch Kanna," meaning "spread wings of a thundering eagle." Once proclaimed the "Salmon Capital of the World," Ketchikan is known for its outstanding totem poles and is a must for anyone interested in Native art. Travelers often come here for their first look at the North Country and are rarely disappointed.