On October 18th, 1867, the Russian flag was lowered in Russian America for the last time when it was lowered from its pole on Castle Hill in Sitka.

It took place during the ceremony when Alaska was officially turned over to the United States.

When the flag was lowered, it got hung up and had to be cut down, as it fluttered down, it draped over the bayonet of a soldier below. 

The Russian Princess in attendance, Princess Maria Maksutova, wept

  18, 1867, Alaska, ceremony, day, flag, history, october, Russia, sitka