Fort Ross- A Russian Stronghold in Nor Cal

Traveling north from Jenner, past our little cove of solitude, you twist and turn from sea-level to outstanding heights above the great Pacific. If you look closely as you round one of the bends, you might just notice a nondescript wooden fence about 200 meters long, that beckons from years past.

This recreated redwood stronghold is Fort Ross. Constructed by a team of Russians and Alaskans in 1812, the settlement was built to claim territory and establish a fur tradepost in "New Albion", the territory north of Spanish California. The Fort was constructed in a matter of weeks and, to the chagrin of the Spaniards, would be home to the Russians and Alaskans for the next 29 years.

We happened upon this place on Sunday afternoon as we took a leisurely afternoon drive to escape the wind and sun of the beach. The recreated fort features a couple long houses with commoners quarters, work shops, and communal dining areas, a central well, the Generals house, a chapel, and a two guard towers facing the ocean.


The cove below the settlement served as a semi exposed harbor during the occupation, and I could see why they would have chosen this spot at the time. It offers decent access to the rest of the coast for trade, yet is far enough from San Francisco to make it difficult for the existing powers to easily strike and force an outsider group to leave.

While wandering around the settlement I was in awe of how rugged and new things were in those days. Every corner you turned offered more possibilities and opportunity for personal riches. It is no wonder that this country fosters such strong desires to create the biggest pile for yourself. Our whole existence was founded upon the idea that if you just went a little farther down the coast then you would have a place of your own, and all the resources that you and your family would ever need.

I imagined myself out there 200 years ago working on a ship and hunting fur for a meager wage. The closest city 4 days away. The unknown, excitement and danger around every corner. I could disappear into a valley and build a home, grow crops, fish, and live off the land. What an exciting and daunting time that must have been.

As we drove out of the rolling State Park I looked back at the ocean and impressive wooden compound. The era of exploration may have ended, but there is always another cove and secluded wave around the bend. So make time to drive up Highway 1, put the top down, pull in to random roads, tip your hat to history, and steal away with a little appreciation for what was, and what will never be.