Alaska, the last frontier of America, is renowned not only for its pristine, majestic beauty of mountains and glaciers but also for a fascinating and lesser-known history of sea exploration. While many think of the conquest of the American West starting from the east coast, the Russians approached North America from the opposite direction, crossing the Pacific Ocean to set foot in Alaska. These adventurous sea voyages, though not “deep sea exploration” in the modern scientific sense, were expeditions into remote, mysterious, and harsh seas, deserving to be called “deep sea explorations” in the spirit of pioneering and discovery.
In the 18th century, Tsar Peter the Great and his successors strongly promoted eastward expeditions, paving the way for the Russians to reach the Alaskan coast. Among them, Vitus Bering’s voyage in 1741 was particularly significant, as he lent his name to the strait separating Alaska and Russia. Bering also brought back news of abundant sea otter reserves in Alaska, a land whose name in Aleut means “peninsula” or “mainland.” This information ignited the greed of Russian fur trading companies, turning them into semi-official explorers, extending the Tsar’s influence to the new land.
However, the Russian monopoly in Alaska did not last. By the late 18th century, ships from Britain, Spain, and America began to appear off the coast of Alaska, threatening Russian interests and territorial claims. In this context, Gerrasim Grigoriev Izmailov emerged as a talented explorer who made significant contributions to consolidating the Russian presence in Alaska.
Ship of Russian explorer Izmailov in Yakutat Bay, Alaska, 1788, marking a new chapter in Alaskan exploration and Russian-Tlingit interaction.
“Deep Sea” Voyage in Pursuit of Sovereignty and Profit
In 1776, Gerrasim Grigoriev Izmailov began to participate in efforts to explore and assert Russian sovereignty in Alaska. His first successful fur trading voyage brought back a huge profit, about $86,000, affirming the immense economic potential of this land. From then on, Izmailov continuously made many voyages to Alaska, departing from the port of Okhotsk in the Russian Far East.
By the late 1780s, Izmailov had become one of the few Russian captains with extensive experience along the Alaskan coast. Desiring to promote Russian sovereignty claims in Prince William Sound and along the entire Alaskan coastline, patrons entrusted Izmailov with a special mission: a voyage of exploration and diplomacy.
Izmailov’s journey was not easy. He had to navigate vast seas, face harsh weather, and potential dangers from the ocean. However, with his experience and bravery, Izmailov overcame all difficulties to reach Alaska. First, he set foot on several islands off the coast of Alaska, erecting large wooden crosses, a symbolic act to declare Russian sovereignty over the territory. Then, he continued eastward along the Alaskan coast and finally reached Yakutat Bay on June 11, 1788.
Trade and Sovereignty Assertion at Yakutat Bay
Yakutat Bay became an important stop on Izmailov’s journey. Here, he quickly established a peaceful and successful fur trade program with the native Tlingit people. Izmailov understood that to consolidate the Russian presence, building good relations with the natives was crucial. He presented the Tlingit Chief, Ilkhak, with a portrait of Tsar Paul, expressing the intention that the distant Russian Tsar would be the new ruler of this land.
To further solidify Russia’s sovereignty claim, Izmailov had two large copper plaques buried near the bay, inscribed with words affirming “Russian territorial domain.” Although this was only a symbolic act, it showed the determination of the Russians to assert their position in the area. These two copper plaques were designed to prove that Russia was the first Western nation to set foot in this land, an important factor in establishing sovereignty at that time.
However, Izmailov and the other Russians understood that symbols and mere declarations were not enough to guarantee true sovereignty. Russian control of Alaska was only truly established when fur trading posts and settlements were built in the following decades. It was these economic activities and the regular presence of Russians that were decisive factors in consolidating their position in Alaska.
Legacy of the “Deep Sea” Explorations
After completing his exploration of the Alaskan coast, Izmailov returned to Okhotsk and died around 1796. Although his life was not long, Izmailov’s contributions to the exploration and assertion of Russian sovereignty in Alaska were immense. He was one of the pioneers who paved the way for the Russian presence in this land, laying the foundation for an important historical period in relations between Russia and North America.
In the first half of the 19th century, the Russians continued to consolidate their control over Alaska, turning it into an important colony. However, by the 1860s, the situation had changed. Russia’s sovereignty claim became fragile, and maintaining control of Alaska became too costly. In 1867, Russia decided to sell Alaska to the United States for $7 million, ending the historical period associated with “deep sea” explorations and Russian efforts to assert sovereignty in this land.
Although Alaska belongs to America today, the marks of the Russians are still present everywhere, from the name Alaska originating from Russian, to the historical and cultural relics that remain. The “deep sea” explorations of people like Izmailov were not just voyages in search of profit, but also adventurous explorations, expanding horizons, and connecting cultures. We can view these voyages as the first steps, laying the foundation for cultural and historical exchange between two continents, leaving behind a diverse and rich legacy for the land of Alaska today.