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Free Traveling Guides » States » California » Wine Country
Fort Ross State Historic Park
From 1812 to 1841, Fort Ross was a settlement used by the Russian-American Company. The company was contracted by Tsars of Russia to control all the Russian trade, exploration and settlements on behalf of the Russian government in the North Pacific region. The company was also instrumental in establishing settlements in Alaska.
Fort Ross was established as an agricultural settlement to supply agricultural products to the Russian settlement in Alaska.
Fort Ross State Historic Park is located in Sonoma County at the coast. It is 11 miles northwest of Jenner on Highway 1 and is 2 hours north of San Francisco. The park is spread across 32,000 acres.
Besides the chapel in Fort Ross State Historic Park, the other building which fascinates visitors is the Rotchev House. This building was renovated in 1836 for Alexander Rotchev, who was the last manager of Fort Ross. The Rotchev House is the only surviving building from the Russian settlement; most of the other buildings have been reconstructed like the Russian Orthodox Chapel, the stockade, the Kuskov House, the Officials Barracks and two blockhouses.
In addition, Fort Ross State Historic Park also has a Visitor Center which a museum, bookstore, and a research library along with exhibits which describe the early life at Fort Ross. When visiting Fort Ross State Historic Park, a visit to the Russian Cemetery and the Old Russian Orchard is a must.
Other state parks are easily accessible from Fort Ross State Historic Park, and these include Salt Point State Park and Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve which are 8 miles north. Sonoma Coast State Beach is 14 miles south of Fort Ross State Historic Park.
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Address: 19005 Coast Highway One, Jenner, CA 95450
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Telephone: (707) 847-3286
- Hours: The park grounds are open half hour before sunrise to half hour after sunset each day.
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