The Legacy of a Russian Settlement in California
Americans are often surprised to learn that Russians once colonized a small stretch of California coastline. Russian settlers established Fort Ross in the early 1800’s, during a time of unprecedented international expansionism.

The bluff on which the fort stands is a young coastal marine terrace. Below are rugged sandstone and conglomerate rocks and cliffs, a sandy beach and offshore islets. Two small harbors give entrance. Learn more here

Salt Point State Park is located on the rugged California coastline about 90 miles north of San Francisco on State Highway One, and 8 miles north of Fort Ross State Historic Park. The shoreline of the 6,000-acre park features rocky promontories, such as Salt Point, that jut out into the Pacific Ocean. Learn more here

Бытъ По Сему
“So Be It”
200 Years of the History and Interpretation of “The flag granted by His Imperial Highness” The Flag of the Russian-American Company

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The original Fort Ross orchard was started by the Russians in 1814 with a single peach tree; it was further expanded with grapes in 1817 and again in 1820 with apples, peaches, cherries, pear, quince and bergamot. These trees began to bear fruit in 1828, and helped prevent scurvy, which had been a problem in the Fort’s early years. Learn more here