The Russian American Company

In 1799, the Russian American Company was established through a 20-year renewable charter that granted it a monopoly over trading in Russia's North American holdings. During its first charter period, the company focused on exploiting fur resources in Alaska, and the search for high quality furs brought it to the Middle Kuskokwim River. After the success of two nearby stations, orders were issued in 1841 to create a station, or trading fort, named Kolmakovsky Redoubt. A blockhouse was the first building constructed there, followed by eight other structures. In 1867, Alaska became a territory of the United States, and ownership of the redoubt eventually transferred to the Alaska Commercial Company.

College, Alaska · United States