2a Fort Ross, Northern Coastal Sonoma County

1.Contains a title using the format listed above .25 points

2a Fort Ross, Northern Coastal Sonoma County

2.Contains the sources you used with links to these sources .25 points

http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=449

http://www.parks.sonoma.net/rosshist.html

3.Contains a brief paragraph how it connects to your study of humanities

The history of Fort Ross is unique and provides insight into a cultural mix not usually associated with California. I have always enjoyed the mix of cultures found in California, but I was fairly ignorant of the Russian contribution to our areas history. I may be mistaken, but I do not think you will find many places in California that had Russians ,Native Alaskans and Americans working and living together. The surprising thing or pleasant thing is that despite there being few Russians actually living within the fort, the whole of the people seemed to live in relative harmony with one another and inter-marriage was commonplace. That said I am referring to the early 19th century, so I am quite sure that ideal living came along with usual mind sets of the times but in comparison to say early 19th century Georgia I am sure I would have rather been in Fort Ross especially if you are not Caucasian. The history of Fort Ross also provides us with several written records of how the many Native populations were living and working. The Russians used the Natives in the sense that they utilised their knowledge of the land and resources to apply it to their ill-fated Russian-America trading post.

A. Observation: What did you choose? What do you see or hear or feel or think of in the choice you made? What is the subject of the work? If you chose a 'thing' what is the work made of and what techniques (colors, lines, shapes, textures)does the creator use? Be specific in your description. If you chose a place, be specific in your description of what you see or hear. Talk to your reader as though they cannot see the item but somehow must draw a painting of what you see or hear.

I chose Fort Ross for the simple fact that it has a lot to offer on all fronts. The surrounding nature is fantastic. The road becomes real hazardous after Jenner and the mountain pass that follows is just as formidable as the cliff hanging curves that offers spectacular views of the mighty Pacific below. From the time you get out of the car you can feel the history, as well as the pounding wind sweeping up from the ocean below. If you can rip yourself away from the great view you will notice a wonderful visitors center and museum across the parking lot. From behind the museum you can follow a beautifully laid out tree lined path down to the restored fort and archaeological site below or equally as pleasant you can just get out of your car, have a glance at the view and follow the path right down to it. Either of the aforementioned options are great, but I prefer the later because going off the beaten path can provide you with other little stop offs that are not usually frequented by others, then take the official path back up.

B.Interpretation: What is your choice about? Give specific examples to support this statement in 2 sentences; do so in a way that teaches us something about your choice. Make Paulo Freire proud!

My choice is about how in the early 19th century Russians in their attempt to establish a trading post in Spanish California came to the realisation that in order to succeed the labor they were conscripting must be allowed to maintain their identities in order to be productive. The Russians had their biases and mis-treatment did occur, but from the historical and archaeological record, one could conclude that fair treatment and respect allowed this operation to last as long as it did.

C.
Judgment: What led you to your choice? What do you think or feel about this choice? Why do you feel this way? Support your thoughts with specific observations.

The fact that I visit quite often in the Spring at least and my love of history and nature made Fort Ross a no-brainer for me. I know Sonoma county offers much lovely scenery and historical towns like Petaluma and Sonoma, but for my money there is no place that offers it all in one place the way Fort Ross does. In the park you can be humbled by the Gods(nature), informed by the museum and visitors center, and observe history sitting quietly and proud on a sheer cliff facing the mighty Pacific. Did I mention the spring blooms and my family really enjoys it. I like it mostly because you have it to your self in March!

D.Questioning: What else would you like to know about this choice? When completing the question section, lead your audience into the question by stating a fact you do know, yet you still have the related question. This way, both your audience and you will have an educational experience.

I know that in previous sections of this posting that I stated that the residents of Fort Ross lived in relative peace with one another, but the fact remains that inside the park you will find clear contradictions to the previous statement I made. One example is that the races were buried for the most part in separate lots. But, on the other hand the Russians did compensate their workers and the workers volunteered for the most part. The exchange of knowledge between cultures were common and needed as was intermarriage (due to a Lack of unmarried Russian women). So, do you think by the standards of the time that they were treated well or were the Russians just wise enough to know that exploitation should be done by softer means then say enslavement?