March 15, 1812 is considered the date the first Russian settlement was established in Sanoma County in northern California, about 75 kilometers from San Francisco. The new town was named Ross and became the southernmost Russian colony in North America.
The Rus' Fortress was provided under the direction of A. A. Baranov, the first chief ruler of russian settlements in North America. The main tasks of the settlements were small-scale industrial production, agricultural activities, and especially horticulture, aimed at providing more remote settlements and fur trade for Russians.
The first settlers were 25 Russian colonists and 90 Aleutians. Ivan Kuskov was appointed commander. The port of Rumyantsev is nearby. The Kashayapomo Indians and the original inhabitants of the land managed to negotiate peacefully for a small amount of food, clothing, and labour.
Relations with the Spaniards and then with the Mexicans were difficult, but through diplomacy the problem was resolved, and the Russian colonies were recognized to some extent and actively traded with it. Relations with the Indians were generally good, with few skirmishes. Many Indians were baptized and lived on the territory of Russian towns.
Roseburg ceased to belong to a Russian-American company in 1841 after it was sold to the American John Sartre. Interestingly, only one of the wooden structures of that era has survived to the present day. The Russian River also flows through here. The first Russian settlers called her Slavyanka.
