A snow-capped mountain in the background with a small lighthouse with a red roof and a dock in the foreground.

Two Owners, Forty Years Apart. A Legacy of Care and Commitment.

Revitalizing Rockwell Lighthouse

The Rockwell Lighthouse was built in 1983 by local Sitka veterinarian Burgess Bauder, who envisioned a working lighthouse on the rugged shoreline and brought it to life with determination and resourcefulness. Construction required materials to be delivered by helicopter due to the island’s remoteness and the realities of building in Southeast Alaska.

More than forty years later, the lighthouse entered a new chapter under the care of Teal West to become Sitka Lighthouse. Her work has focused on revitalization rather than reinvention by restoring the structure, refining its purpose, and shaping the experience with intention and respect for what already existed. Together, these two chapters form a continuous story of care with one rooted in creation, the other in stewardship, allowing the lighthouse to endure while remaining deeply connected to its roots.

A black and white photo of a man with a beard, wearing a black beanie and a dark hoodie, walking outdoors with a white cockatoo perched on his shoulder.

The Birth of Rockwell Lighthouse: A Historic Beacon

The Rockwell Lighthouse emerged from a clear sense of purpose shaped by Burgess Bauder’s belief that the place itself mattered. Built to endure Southeast Alaska’s weather and isolation, the lighthouse was designed not as a spectacle, but as a working presence along Sitka’s shoreline.

Registered with the U.S. Coast Guard, the lighthouse long served as a navigational aid, offering guidance and reliability in a region defined by water and movement. Over time, it became more than functional, it became a familiar marker for mariners and a quiet landmark within the Sitka community.

From its earliest days, the lighthouse held a dual role of practical and personal. It stood watch over the channel while also becoming a setting for meaningful moments, shaped not by programming or scale, but by its steadiness and sense of place. That foundation is purposeful, resilient, and still deeply connected to Sitka. It continues to define the lighthouse today.

A woman standing on a red staircase leading to a porch of a white lighthouse with red trim. The lighthouse has a tower with windows and a balcony. The porch has hanging swings, a flower basket, and potted plants. The sky is partly cloudy, and there are trees in the background.

A New Era, and A New Name

In 2017, Teal West embraced the opportunity to continue Burgess Bauder's dream by purchasing the Rockwell Lighthouse. By 2018, she had completed significant renovations, preserving its original charm while enhancing its functionality and appeal. This restoration breathed new energy into the brand, and a new name was chosen: Sitka Lighthouse, marking the beginning of a legacy for Teal and her community. In 2020, the Sitka Lighthouse Co. Store opened on Lincoln Street, offering a vibrant shopping experience with branded items and local treasures.

Today, the lighthouse is a vacation rental, event venue, and gathering place, inviting guests to explore its rich history and majestic views year-round. Complimentary water taxi services ensure a seamless arrival and departure, making the Sitka Lighthouse a captivating destination for history enthusiasts, architecture admirers, and those seeking a serene escape. Join us and become part of the story that began with Burgess's dream and continues with Teal's dedication.

Close-up of a woman with blonde hair, blue eyes, wearing a blue jacket and earrings, smiling at the camera.

Two people, a woman and a young man, standing on a boat with water and sky in the background. Both are smiling, with the woman wearing sunglasses and a black jacket, and the young man wearing rubber boots and casual clothes.

A woman and a young boy riding a red all-terrain vehicle (ATV) near a lake with mountains in the background. The woman is wearing sunglasses and a black jacket, while the boy is wearing an orange helmet and a dark jacket.

Meet The Owner, Teal West

Teal West lives year-round in Sitka and is responsible for the care and continuity of the Sitka Lighthouse and every guest. Her connection to the place is not seasonal or symbolic; it is rooted in daily life, long-term responsibility, and an understanding of what it takes to hold something meaningful over time.

As owner, Teal’s focus is not on creating spectacle, but on preserving the integrity of the place while allowing others to experience it in a way that feels personal, respectful, and unhurried. The experience guests encounter is shaped quietly through Teal and her preparation, thoughtfulness, and a deep familiarity with everything Sitka has to offer.

Beyond the Lighthouse, Teal extended that same care into the Sitka Lighthouse Co. Store, a physical connection to a place that supports local goods and small businesses. The store reflects her belief that meaningful experiences should endure beyond a stay, carrying stories and relationships back into everyday life.

Teal is an active part of the Sitka community, contributing her time and leadership through local organizations while raising her family alongside the lighthouse she now stewards. Her work is guided by a long view of building something stable, responsible, and lasting, not just for today, but for those who will inherit it.