Near Jenner in Sonoma County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Sandy Beach Cove
Sandy Beach Cover lies below the fort. The principal port of the settlement was 19 miles to the south at Port Rumiantsev (Bodega Bay), where there was a deep-water anchorage and a warehouse. Russian Navy and Russian-American Company ships frequently visited California ports, trading and conducting scientific studies. They stopped at Rumiantsev to load and offload goods and to get fresh water. Vessels from many other countries stopped there to trade as well. There was frequent travel and transport of goods between Sandy Beach and Port Rumiantsev in Russian launches, Native Alaskan "baldarkas" (kayaks), and "baidaras" (large, open skin boats used to carry cargo and up to 15 passengers).
In the cove area there were a number of buildings including sheds for boats, a forge and blacksmith shop, tannery, cooperage, a public bath, boat shop and shipways for building ships. Farm implements and launches were sold and traded to the Spanish and four Russian-American Company Ships--three brigs and a schooner--were the first built on the California coast. The shipyard was abandoned by 1825, but the Company continued to build smaller boats.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1825.
Location. 38° 30.817′ N, 123° 14.667′ W. Marker is near Jenner, California, in Sonoma County. Marker can be reached from Highway 1 near Fort Ross Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jenner CA 95450, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Native Alaskan Village (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Ross Defenses (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Call Family Residence (about 400 feet away); Fort Ross Cove (about 500 feet away); The Russian Cemetery (about 500 feet away); The Russian Village Site - Sloboda (about 500 feet away); Fort Ross Chapel (about 500 feet away); California's First Windmill (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jenner.
Also see . . . Fort Ross State Historic Park. California State Parks website entry (Submitted on February 22, 2009, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 14, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2009, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California. This page has been viewed 1,240 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 22, 2009, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California.