Fort Ross

Fort Ross stands at Metini, a Kashaya Pomo village centuries older than the stockade, and none of the three bronzes here says so. The Russian-American Company brought Alutiiq hunters from Kodiak to take sea otters; its 1836 count found 120 Russians, 51 people of mixed ancestry, 50 Alaska Natives and 39 California Natives. The highway bronze calls the chapel Greek Orthodox. It was Russian Orthodox, and the chapel beside the 1928 tablet burned in October 1970; what stands is its rebuilding.

What the plaque says

This chapel was a part of the settlement founded by the Russians in 1812 and known as Fort Ross. The fort was in the form of a quadrangle, about 300 feet square, inclosed by a redwood wall, with two blockhouses at opposite corners. Fort Ross contained fifty-nine buildings, nine of which, including this chapel, were within the inclosure. The Russians withdrew in 1841, selling their improvements and stock to John A. Sutter of Sutter's Fort. Property acquired by the State of California in 1906. Tablet placed by Historic Landmarks Committee, Native Sons of the Golden West. 1928 Fort Ross has been designated a Registered National Historic Landmark under the provisions of the Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935 this site possesses exceptional value in commemorating and illustrating the history of the United States U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service 1961 Fort Ross Founded 1812 by Russians from Sitka. When Russians withdrew to Alaska, 1841, Captain Sutter bought the improvements and supplies. Acquired by State in 1906 and remaining buildings restored - Greek Orthodox chapel, Commandant's quarters and stockade. Now a state historical monument. Historical Landmark No. 5 Department of Public Works - Division of Highways.

Where it stands

More markers nearby

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• Walters Ranch Hop Kiln — 21 mi