Second Battle of Sitka (Tlingit resistance to Russian colonization)

Following the successful Tlingit destruction of Old Fort Sitka in 1802, the Russians returned to try to reestablish a presence in what would become southeast Alaska. Anticipating their possible return, the Kiks.ádi clan of Sheetʼká Xʼáatʼi established a fort at a location chosen to make cannon fire from Russian ships least effective. They built Shís'gi Noow or Fort of Young Saplings, with 14 buildings and a thick palisade wall that surrounded them, with a long shallow gravel shoal approach from sea. An unfortunate accident occurred shortly after the Russian's arrival where a Tlingit canoe bearing an important store of gunpowder exploded. Despite this setback and other issues, the Kiks.ádi held the Russians off for 5 days, lead by War Chief Ḵʼalyaan. Baranof himself was seriously wounded on day one of the battle and Lieutenant Commander Lisyansky assumed command. Realizing the futility of staying under siege with a shortened supply of gunpowder, the Kiks.ádi decided on a strategic retreat to a village to the north, departing undetected under the cover of darkness. The Kiks.ádi relocated to Chaatlk'aanoow, from which they could see any canoe or ship heading toward Sitka and take action. They effected a naval blockade of Sitka for 18 years. American fur traders established a post across from Chaatlk'aanoow, trading weapons and other items to the Kiks.ádi. The blockade hurt Russian profits and in 1807, Chief Manager Alexander Baranov sent a message to Chief K'alyáan requesting the return of the Kiks.ádi and an end to the blockade. They refused and continued the blockade until 1822 when they returned home on their own terms, rebuilding homes outside the Russian fort. They announced, "The mountains around Sitka belong to the Sheet'ká Kiks.ádi. No Russians will be allowed to hunt for deer or bear on those mountains while the Sheet'ká Kiks.ádi are here."