Castle Hill is located in Sitka, on W coast of Baranof I., Alex. Arch.
On this rocky headland was the "castle" where the Russian governors resided. It is reported that the early Russian settlers called the hill "Katalan's Rock" for the Tlingit Indian chief who once lived on it. Two buildings occupied the site prior to the "castle." The first, a crude block house, was destroyed by fire; the second building was demolished by an earthquake. The "castle" or "Baranovs Castle" as it is sometimes referred to, was built about 1830 of heavy cedar logs and its richly furnished elegance was the scene of many social events. A light was placed at the top as a guide to mariners, and it thus became the first lighthouse in Alaska. After the purchase of Alaska by the United States in 1867 the "Castle" fell into disrepair and in 1894 it burned to the ground. The site is now a historical monument.