Fort Ross was established in 1812 by Russians as an outpost for sea otter hunters and a permanent trade base. It was the southernmost outpost of a Russian presence in the Pacific Northwest. The Russians remained at Fort Ross until sea otters became scarce in 1841. The holdings were sold to
John Sutter; who later became famous when gold was discovered at his sawmill in the
Sierra Nevada foothills. None of the original fort structures remain, however several buildings have been reconstructed: the first Russian Orthodox chapel south of Alaska, the stockade, and three other buildings.
To reach the park, drive 12 miles north of Jenner on Highway 1.
