2017-02-13 Mon

A 5 kopecks coin was issued by Catherine II almost 90 years before Alaska was bought by the United States from Russia for $7.2 million in March 1867.

The era before 1776, or 1781, or 1784 is generally considered as the era of Colonial America. Many non-US countries from Arctic Circle to Tierra del Fuego consider themselves to be “American” like Spain, France, Philadelphia and Jamaica. Latin America remained Colonial America till the 1820s, while Canada and Alaska both remained colonies till 1867.

Fort Ross was established in Sonoma County, Calif., in February 1812 which marked the southernmost post of the Russian Empire in America till 1841. Animal fur was the biggest attraction in Alaska and otter fur was famous in Fort Ross, but the fort’s location and climate were ideal for agriculture, unlike other areas.

A copper 1773 3-kopek coin of Moldavia and Wallachea was also found at Fort Ross. A 1748 half kopek was found at a village site on Aialik Bay, within the Kenai Fjords National Park near Anchorage.

Official trading between Russia and Alaska began in the 17th century, and by the end of the 18th century, many settlements made their mark there.