Fort Ross, was the southernmost Russian colony in continental North America, and was a thriving settlement from 1812 to 1841. The Fort was erected to provide agricultural supplies to the Russian colonies in Alaska. The Fort was the site of California’s first windmill and shipbuilding yard. During their tenure the Russian managers introduced many European refinements such as glass windows to Colonial California.
During the Fort’s 29 existence, many cultures called the rugged Sonoma coastline home including Russians, Poles, Finns, Ukrainians, and Estonians. The labor force was made up of North Pacific Natives, Aleutians and Kashayans.
Every year Fort Ross celebrates its importance to the Russian Empire by showcasing life much how it would have been nearly 200 years ago. This video is a taste of what the celebration includes.
