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 "FORT ROSS" California
N 38° 30.854 W 123° 14.615
10S E 478764 N 4262900
The southernmost Russian foothold in North America
Waymark Code: WM1NB9
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 06/07/2007
Views: 144
Rotchev House - the only surviving structure of the original fort
Not too long ago, many Americans were afraid that the Russians might be coming. Well, here is a news flash: They have already been here!
So, dust off your Russian when you enter this old fort:
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Flag of the Russian-American Company |
Форт Росс был о снован в марте 1812 Иван Алехандровичю Кускови и построен 25 русскими и 80 уроженца Аласкими. В 1841, когда выдры стали вряд, форт был продан к Джон Суттер.
Translation: Fort Ross was founded in March of 1812 by Ivan Alexandrovich Kuskov and built by 25 Russians and 80 native Alaskans. In 1841, when otters became scarce, the fort was sold to John Sutter.
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The fort was built after negotiations with local Kashaya Pomo Natives near a native village named May-Tee-Nee. After completion, it was the southernmost outpost of a Russian presence in the Pacific Northwest. The main purpose of the fort was to be an agricultural base to supply Russian settlements in Alaska. Later, it also became a base for fur traders.
In 1769, General Portola wrote in his report to the Spanish king that , "...if the Russians wanted California, Spain should let her have it." and in fact, Spanish (and later Mexican) influence never reached much beyond San Francisco and for about 100 years, Russia was the dominating force in Northern California. But in the 1840s it became clear that California would sooner or later be a part of the United States, and after the fur trade died, Russia withdrew her presence.
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Kuskov House and Russian-Orthodox Chrch |
Officer's Barracks
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Most of the buildings, like the Kuskov House, the Officials Barracks and the chapel have been rebuilt, but the Rotchev house still exist in its original form. It was last renovated about 1836 for Alexander Rotchev, the last manager of Ross. The fort was also the site of California's first windmill (which has not been restored) and of the first Russian-Orthodox Church south of Alaska (which has been restored beautifully).
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Inside the Officer's Barracks |
The fort's wall and what little is left of California's first mill
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The year the "Fort" was constructed or started.: 1812
Name of "Country" or "Nation" that constructed this "Fort": Russia, with the help of Native Alaskans
Was this "Fort" involved in any armed conflicts?: No it wasn't
What was the primary purpose of this "Historic Fort"?: Used primary for a trading post
Current condition: Well Preserved as a State Park
This site is administered by ----: California State Parks
If admission is charged -: 5.00 (listed in local currency)
Open to the public?: Restricted hours -Admission charged
Official or advertised web-page: [Web Link]
Link to web-site that best describes this "Historic Fort": [Web Link]
Link if this "Fort" is registered on your Countries/ State "Registry of Historical Sites or Buildi: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
Please post a photo if you visited this "Waymark" and describe your impressions of your visit or anything that might be of use to future visitors or viewers that hasn't been included in this 'Waymark'.
A "Visited" only will be deleted A.S.A.P.
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