[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 27, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1153]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE BICENTENNIAL OF FORT ROSS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 27, 2012

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the bicentennial of 
the establishment of the Russian colony at Fort Ross. Founded in 
September 1812 by Russian explorers, Fort Ross was the southernmost 
Russian settlement in North America and the first European settlement 
in Sonoma County. After the fort's assets were sold to John Sutter in 
1841, Fort Ross became a shipping hub and tourist destination and in 
1909 it was established as one of California's first State Historic 
Parks.
  This year we commemorate the natural, cultural, and human history of 
Fort Ross, which has been influenced by diverse groups of people, 
including Russians, Kashaya, Pomo, and Miwok Natives, Spaniards, 
Mexicans, and Americans. These diverse groups, who settled at Fort Ross 
or lived in the surrounding area, made important contributions to early 
California history: they built California's first ships and windmills, 
introduced glass-paneled windows, created the first brickyard, and 
catalogued the local plant and animal life. At Fort Ross, Native people 
of various tribes lived, hunted, and labored alongside the Russian 
colonists; many learned Russian and intermarried with both Russians and 
Natives of other tribes. The story of the people of Fort Ross is 
unique, and it serves as an excellent example of the best that 
California and Sonoma County have to offer the world: a rich history, 
diverse cultural legacy, beautiful nature, and dedicated people.
  Today, Fort Ross is a National Historic Landmark visited by 150,000 
people each year. It also still serves as an important connection 
between Sonoma County and Russia. In 2010, California State Parks 
signed an agreement with Russia's Renova Group, creating a public-
private partnership to provide financial support for Fort Ross. The 
Fort Ross Renova Foundation continues to provide support for 
maintenance, educational programs, cultural events, and other 
initiatives for the enhancement of Fort Ross.
  Mr. Speaker, Fort Ross is an important cultural and historical 
landmark celebrating the two hundredth anniversary of its founding. 
Please join me in honoring the bicentennial of the establishment of 
Fort Ross.

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