Fort Alexander (Hawaii) facts for kids
Fort Alexander (Russian: форте Александра) was one of three forts built by a man named Georg Anton Schäffer on the island of Kauai in the Kingdom of Hawaii. It was named after Emperor Alexander I of Russia. The fort was built in October 1816 near the Hanalei River. It was an earthwork fort, which means it was mainly built using earth and soil.
A Russian Adventure in Hawaii
Georg Anton Schäffer made an agreement with Kaumualii, who was a local leader, to work against Kamehameha I, another powerful Hawaiian ruler. Schäffer built several Russian forts between 1816 and 1817.
Fort Alexander had low walls made of earth. It might also have had wooden fences called palisades for extra protection. Some records suggest it was a breastwork with a few cannons. A breastwork is a low wall built to protect soldiers. It's not fully clear if this description refers to Fort Alexander or another fort nearby.
The Russian-American Company provided most of the workers for Fort Alexander. These workers were often Native Alaskan people. This was different from Fort Elizabeth, which was partly built by Hawaiian natives.
On June 17, 1817, Schäffer declared himself the chief of Hanalei while at Fort Alexander. He ordered a Russian flag to be raised and had a three-cannon salute fired. At the same time, he officially claimed the island of Kauai for Russia.
However, the Hawaiian people in Hanalei soon revolted. Fort Alexander and another nearby fort called Fort Barclay were destroyed. A place where alcohol was made (a distillery) was also burned down, and one Aleutian worker was killed. By May 8, 1817, the Russians were forced to leave Hawaii.
What Happened to the Fort?
Fort Alexander was one of two Russian forts built in the Hanalei River Valley. The other fort nearby was Fort Barclay. Today, only parts of Fort Elizabeth have been saved and can still be seen.
As of 2002[update], the area where Fort Alexander once stood is now occupied by a hotel. You can find it at 5520 Ka Haku Road. Even though a hotel is there, you might still be able to see a general outline of where part of the old fort used to be.
