Fort Ross, California
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Template:Redirect Image:FortRoss-chapel-reconstructed.jpg Fort Ross is a former Russian fur trade outpost in what is now Sonoma County, California (United States). It was established by the Russian-American Company in 1812 and sold to John Sutter in 1841, owing to the depletion of the local population of fur-bearing marine mammals, as well as the decreased strategic importance of a supply base for Russia's Alaskan colonies following the Convention of February 28 1825 with the British. It was the southernmost outpost of a Russian presence in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. The fort with the surrounding settlement was home to Russians, Aleut hunters in their employment, and native Kashaya (Kashia) Pomo. This unique site has recently been the subject of intensive archaeological investigation. It is designated a National Historic Landmark.
The only original structure remaining on the site is Rotchev House, the historical manager's residence. The Fort Ross Chapel was knocked down in the earthquake of 1906 but much of the original structural woodwork remained and it was re-erected in 1916. It was destroyed by fire in October of 1970, while a few months later the roof of Rotchev House was damaged by arson. The current chapel was built during the intensive restoration activity that followed.
The Russian cemetery on an adjacent ridge has been cleared and the gravesites identified through non-destructive archaeological techniques, primarily soil resistivity.
Colonial Administrators at Fort Ross
Ivan Alexandrovich Kuskov, a skilful Russian-American Company administrator, served for 22 years in Alaska. He was the founder of Fort Ross and was its colonial administrator from 1812 to 1821.
List of all administrators of the Fort Ross colony:
- Ivan A. Kuskov, 1812—1821
- Karl J von Schmidt, 1821—1824
- Paul I. Shelikhov, 1824—1830
- Peter S. Kostromitinov, 1830—1838
- Alexander G. Rotchev, 1838—1841
Other meanings
Besides the Fort itself, Fort Ross also designates the small rural community that exists between the towns of Cazadero, Jenner, and Gualala. It is characterized by a strong sense of local community, and its center is undoubtably the tiny Ft. Ross Elementary School. The tremendous natural beauty of this area, and its colorful inhabitants make it a source of local legend.