Antique brass cross, Russian Orthodox Church. "MPB" under Christ on cross From the History Information Station Object: "Russian Settlement at Fort Ross, 1843", reproduction; Russian Orthodox cross; photograph of the Russian Orthodox Chapel at Fort Ross. History: Ft. Ross was a Russian settlement in California established between 1812 and 1841. The Russian settlers traded with the Spanish and hunted sea otters. They were also established a prosperous agricultural community supplying food to the thriving fur-hunting colonies in Alaska. The original fort was enclosed by a palisade. Inside there were 9 buildings, among them the commander's quarters and the chapel. Outside were 50 buildings, including blacksmith, carpenter and cooper shops and a large stable for milk cows. By 1840, the sea otters had been hunted almost to extinction, and the Russians withdrew their colonists. The property was presented to the state in 1906. Its buildings have been restored and are now open to the public.