Russian influence in Alaska began in the 1700s as Russian explorers, fur traders, and settlers moved east across the North Pacific into coastal Alaska. During this period, Russian America grew through trading posts, Orthodox missions, and small settlements built along Alaska’s rugged coastline. Although Alaska was sold to the United States in 1867, Russian influence can still be seen today through historic churches, cultural traditions, place names, and communities throughout parts of coastal Alaska, especially in the Aleutians, Kodiak, and Southeast regions.

This page explores the history of Russian Alaska, the people and industries that shaped the era, and the lasting impact Russian culture continues to have across Alaska today.