Fort Ross   95450

 

Fort Ross itself 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 saw mill in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Fort Ross State Historic Park is open daily to the public except Thanksgiving and Christmas..  There is a Visitors’ Center, with Museum and Bookstore.

 Along with the chapel, the structure of most historical interest at Fort Ross is the Rotchev house, an existing building renovated about 1836 for Alexander Rotchev, the last manager of Ross. It is the only surviving structure. Several other buildings have been reconstructed: the first Russian Orthodox chapel south of Alaska, the stockade, and four other buildings called the Kuskov House, The Officials Barracks, and two corner blockhouses.

Fort Ross Vinyard

The surrounding community of Fort Ross includes a store, motel, a few vacation rental homes.  Residents live either on the coast or on the ridges along Seaview Road.  There are also artists and cottage industries in the area, and the lovely Fort Ross Vineyard & Winery, located on a ridge a mile above the ocean.  Fort Ross has no post office; mail is routed from Jenner, zip 95450.  There is a Volunteer Fire Department and Fort Ross Elementary School located on Seaview Road on the coastal ridge.

 

 

 
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