Colonization history in Sonoma, California

Fort Ross, located at 19005 Coast Highway, Jenner, California, United States, is a historic site and tourist attraction that brings attention to the diverse stories that have occurred in the area over the centuries. The park is 12 miles north of Jenner on Highway One and offers a glimpse into the natural and cultural history of the region. Fort Ross was a thriving Russian-American Company settlement from 1812 to 1841, serving as the southernmost settlement in the Russian colonization of North America. Today, the Fort features several buildings surrounded by stockade walls, including the Rotchev house, the first Russian Orthodox chapel south of Alaska, and reconstructed Russian-era buildings.

Fort Ross State Historic Park, located at 19005 Coast Highway in Jenner, California, is a park and tourist attraction that showcases the rich history of the area. The park is a 12-mile drive north of Jenner on Highway One. Visitors can explore the varied stories that have shaped the region, from the Russian colonization period to the Ranch era. The park's Visitor Center is a great starting point to learn about the natural and cultural history of Fort Ross. During its heyday, Fort Ross was a thriving Russian-American Company settlement from 1812 to 1841. Today, visitors can explore several historic buildings, including the Rotchev house, the first Russian Orthodox chapel south of Alaska, and the stockade. The park also features replicas of a Russian windmill and other structures from the Russian period.

General Vallejo's Home, also known as Lachryma Montis, is a must-visit tourist attraction located in Sonoma, California. This historic site was the estate of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, the Military Commander and Director of Colonization of the Northern Frontier. The home is less than a mile west of Sonoma Plaza and showcases the furnishings of the Vallejo family, serene gardens, a reservoir, and a Visitor Center and Museum in the adjacent "Chalet." The Sonoma State Historic Park, where General Vallejo's Home is situated, consists of six midtown locations near the Plaza. Visitors can also explore other historical sites such as Mission San Francisco Solano, the Blue Wing Inn, Sonoma Barracks, the Toscano Hotel & Kitchen, and the Servants Quarters. Dogs are allowed only in the historic zone and developed areas, but not in certain areas like trails, backcountry areas, historic buildings, and gardens. Free public parking is available behind the Sonoma Barracks, and public restrooms are located in the Sonoma Barracks Courtyard. The park offers a variety of events throughout the year, including music concerts, environmental programs, and campfire programs. Additionally, visitors can participate in guided tours and volunteer opportunities at Sonoma State Historic Park and Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park.

Welcome to the Museum of the American Indian, a cherished cultural and educational hub located at 2200 Novato Boulevard, Novato, California. Nestled within the ancestral territories of the Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo peoples, our museum stands as a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of these Indigenous communities. Despite the harsh realities of colonization, mission systems, and historical challenges, the Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo continue to thrive in Marin and Sonoma Counties. At the Museum of the American Indian, we honor the rich heritage of the Coast Miwok, including the Coast Miwok Tribal Council of Marin and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, as well as the Southern Pomo people from the Sebastopol and Sonoma County area. We are committed to recognizing and supporting their ongoing efforts to maintain tribal sovereignty and cultural integrity.