Fort Ross State Historic Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Ross State Historic Park |
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The reconstructed chapel of Fort Ross
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 Fort Ross State Historic Park
Location in California
Fort Ross State Historic Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Sonoma County, California, United States |
| Nearest city | Jenner, California |
| Area | 3,393 acres (1,373 ha) |
| Established | 1909 |
| Governing body | California Department of Parks and Recreation |
Fort Ross State Historic Park is a special place in Sonoma County, California. It's a state park that protects an old Russian trading post called Fort Ross. The park also includes beautiful coastline and tall coast redwood forests.
You can find it on the northern California coast. It's about 12 miles north of Jenner. Fort Ross was an active settlement from 1812 to 1842. It was the most southern Russian settlement in the Americas. This 3,393-acre (1,373 ha) park opened in 1909. It is also a Sonoma County Historic Landmark.
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Exploring Fort Ross's History
Fort Ross was built by the Russian-American Company in 1812. This company was involved in the fur trade in North America. Most of the buildings you see at the Fort today are recreations. They were carefully rebuilt to look like the originals.
The Commander's House: An Original Treasure
One special building is the commander's house. It is the only original structure left from the Russian settlement. This house is very important. It is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The California Department of Parks and Recreation works hard to keep the Fort in good shape. Many volunteers also help with restoration and rebuilding efforts.
What Does "Fort Ross" Mean?
The name "Ross" is a poetic way to say "Russian." This name was chosen in a unique way. Lots were placed at the base of a picture of Christ. The name "Ross" was picked from these lots. This happened when the settlement was dedicated on September 11, 1812. Sometimes, the Spanish called it "Presidio Ruso." They also called it "Presidio de Bodega."
Fun Things to Do at Fort Ross Park
Fort Ross State Historic Park offers many exciting activities. You can go fishing or hiking along the trails. Surfing is popular in the ocean nearby. Exploring the tide pools is a great way to see sea creatures. Many people enjoy picnicking with family and friends. It's also a fantastic spot for whale watching and bird watching.
Scuba Diving Adventures
The park has become a popular place for Scuba Diving. Divers often visit Fort Ross Reef. There is even a shipwreck offshore. The wreckage of the SS Pomona lies just off the coast. It adds an interesting underwater site for divers to explore.
Protecting Fort Ross State Historic Park
In 2009, the park faced a risk of closing. This was due to state budget cuts. The Russian ambassador, Sergey Kislyak, spoke up for the park. He asked for it to stay open. On June 22, 2010, an important agreement was signed. It was between the Renova Group of Companies and the State of California. Another agreement was with the Fort Ross Conservancy. This happened in San Francisco. The Russian President, Dmitry Medvedev, was there. These agreements aimed to support the park. They also wanted to share its history and culture. The park closures were avoided. This was done by reducing hours and maintenance across the state park system.
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