Russia has definitely left a lasting legacy in Alaska especially in what we know as present day southeastern Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. In 1741, Captain Vitus Bering landed around Prince of Wales Island in the southeastern part of the state. They established colonies first in Kodiak then in Sitka. The Russians used Sitka as a port for international trading and also built schools, mills, libraries, and clinics. As exploration moved further into the Southeast and into the middle Yukon region so did the establishment of the Russian Orthodox churches. Many Russian workers married Native people becoming known as Creoles. Generally, these were the families that stayed in Alaska upon departure of the rest of the Russian population. More information on Russian America here.
Currently, there are many places in Alaska with obvious Russian influence beginning with the names. Some thriving villages presently embracing the culture are Nikolaevsk and Ninilkchik as well as the town of Sitka. Russia brought forward new housing styles. In Sitka, red log houses with yellow roofs were developed that had an antiqued, foreign appearance. Likewise, they brought forth new styles in clothing. Russian women wore European clothing of the time; workers wore linen, cotton, or silk shirts and cotton trousers. Along with their Native clothing, some Aleuts still wear clothing influenced from European culture.
Russians also brought new tools and transportation to Alaska. Wheels, sleighs, wagons, and simple machinery as well as steam, water, and wind power are a few examples. They also brought iron for making tools.
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| The first Russian Orthodox missionaries came to Alaska. |
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| Russian Orthodox Churches |
Examine Question—Why were the Russians interested in Alaska?
Russia was not the only country interested in Alaska, especially in Europe. Many countries were interested in learning about the size and position of the globe as well as the people and resources that inhabited land around them. Curiosity and experimentation brought forth new exploration. Afterwards, explorers brought back information on how these new resources could be used for profit. Wealth and superiority were on the line. Russia jumped on the opportunity for the challenge. More on Russia's colony here.
Though Captain Bering did not make it back to Russia to share news of the discovery, his crew did. They brought with them fur from sea otters and it did not take long for word to spread of some of the greatest furs in the world. Crews set out to the Aleutian Islands in search of more furs. Soon after, they began establishing hunting and trading posts. Many of the Aleut people were forced into slavery, hunting for marine life. The relationship between the Russian people and the Aleuts became very deadly as time passed. Over 80% of the indigenous people were destroyed after the Russians left them no means of survival. The Russian colonies began to flourish making the fur industry even more booming.
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| Drawing of Russian fur trading colony in Kodiak |
Overhunting soon led to a decrease in animal population as well other natural resources. By the 1860’s Russia was ready to clean its hand of the newly founded land. They had gained everything they were going to gain. In 1867, Russia sold the land to the United States for 2 cent an acre, a total of 7.2 million dollars. What a great deal, right? Under new ownership, the land (and later, the state of Alaska) has since been further explored and developed providing a stable, thriving economy.
Evaluation—
This module was interesting to me. I knew a little bit about the history of the Russian colonization but not like I do now. We have a large Russian population in Delta Junction where I work on a monthly basis. This module has given me more insight into their history and roots. I enjoyed learning about more about their legacy and where it presently exists.
Module III Reviews
I like Peter’s chart he used to show the demographic breakdown of Natives in the state of Alaska. He emphasizes just how long these groups of people have occupied the land and that help from the outside is not necessarily needed.
Marg used great images portraying Alaska’s culture. She shows pictures of salmon, blueberry picking, whaling, and talks about subsistence living and using natural resources for survival. She does a great job of summing up what it really means to be an Alaskan.
Like Holly, I am also from a middle-class white community (in Georgia). I really agree that it is so important to research what kind of area you are coming to and what type of population you will be working with. I remember reading every website that I could find about the interior of Alaska and Athabascan Natives.
Whitney, you painted me a wonderful picture of the Russian legacy observed in Alaska today. I could imagine the houses, clothing, and tools. I also liked that you had corresponding links throughout your blog to the articles we read for this Module.
ReplyDeleteI pondered Whitney Adams' comment in Module IV that religion and art are two of the biggest areas in which the Russians left lasting impressions. The Orthodox faith as part of culture and the Orthodox churches as historic architecture are certainly still significant in Alaska. But I had to think of where the Russian artistic tradition was still a factor. Then it hit me, Alaska gold pan art and the Russian Icon ! When I first arrived in Alaska, there was a painted gold pan on the wall in almost every house I went into. Though not as prevalent now, it is definitely the Alaska Icon.
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