Fort Ross State Historic Park

Established as a base for sea otter hunters, Fort Ross State Historic Park presents several reconstructed buildings, including the first Russian Orthodox chapel south of Alaska. The park is open daily. As well, the park has a visitor center and a bookstore. Camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Russian settlers established Fort Ross in 1812 on land they leased from the native Kashia people. The Russians hoped to gain a foothold in the Pacific coast's warmer regions and to produce crops and other supplies for their Alaskan fur-trading operations. In 1841, with the local marine mammal population depleted and farming having proven unproductive, the Russians sold their holdings to John...