Russian Trade

Peter the Great commissioned Vitus Bering, a Danish captain, to explore the Bering Sea and search for sources of the valuable furs, which he did in 1728. During a second expedition in 1741, Bering landed on the North American coastline and encountered Native Peoples' camps but did not meet anyone. These trips inspired more traders to search for furs. By 1750, small Russian trading forts, where furs were exchanged for knives, beads, needles, fabric and other items, were established on the North American coastline. Sea otter pelts were especially valuable as they were traded for highly sought-after tea in China. Throughout this period, explorers were encouraged to return with artefacts for the museum established by Peter The Great. Eventually the United States became involved in whaling off the coast of Alaska. In 1867, financially stressed due to the Crimean War, Russia sold the Alaskan Territory to the United States for $7.2 million. The Native Peoples, who felt it was their land, belonging to neither the Russians nor the Americans, protested this sale. Russian influence is seen in clothing designs and tourist items made by Alaskan coastal peoples.