A large hand carved Tlingit canoe made from one log is displayed under a sheltered area near the building. The oldest intact Russian building in Sitka was built in 1842, by the Russian American Company as a residence for the Bishop of the Orthodox Church. The building and grounds are managed by the National Park Service. It has been restored to the 1850's historic period when it functioned as a school, Bishop's residence, and a chapel. Registered as a National Historic Landmark.
Winter hours vary and reservations are needed.
In 1899 the first service was held in St. Peter's. In 1901, St. Peter's was chartered as Alaska's Pro Cathedral. The church continues to be used by many as a place of quiet and prayer, and a place of meeting for community organizations. In April of 1999, St. Peters' by the Sea received the 3rd planting from this HolyThorn of Glastonbury. The present building, the first concrete building in Alaska, was erected in 1895.