Russian possessions in California (1836)

This map, drawn by Fyodor Poznyakov, is part of Universal atlas or collection of maps of the entire globe (Universal Atlas or Collection of Maps of the Entire Globe), a Russian publication from 1836.

This particular map focuses on the United States, Mexico, and Central America. The different colours denote the political division of the region, according to the information available to the cartographer. The territory of the United States appears in pink, Mexico in yellow (still without the separation of Central America) and, most interestingly, the Russian territory between California and Oregon in green. The Russian colony on the Pacific coast of California and Oregon is called New Albion, possibly after the name given to this territory by Francis Drake upon his arrival in the 16th century.

Russian expeditions arrived in California in the early 19th century. After numerous trade exchanges, they finally settled in 1812, founding Krépost Ross, now Fort Ross, north of San Francisco. This settlement had very few Russian citizens, but during the 29 years it remained, the population collaborated with Americans and Native Americans, expanding their territory beyond Krépost Ross.

In any case, the Russian map has a strong propaganda component, as it is difficult to argue that the Russian presence in California and Oregon was significant enough to occupy the entire area granted to it by the author. At the time of its sale to the United States in 1941, Fort Ross had around 60 buildings.

Sources


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