The Russian government formed a semi-official coproration known as the Russian-American Company in part to settle Alaska and in part to control the early Russian traders. Also to deal with private companies operarting in Alaska whose practice it was to rob, abuse and kill the natives. In the early 1800's the Russian-Maerican Company pursued the fur trade in California and in 1812 a small fort near the Russian River, called Ft. Ross, was established to protect the fishing fleets and fur traders. This flag was used unitl 1867, when Alaska was sold to the United States.

One of the 'Seven flags over Sonoma'