The National Register Statement of Significance reads:

Founded in 1812, Fort Ross was the largest single Russian trading center south of Alaska. Besides serving as the southern headquarters for the hunting of sea otter, the post also provided food supplies for the company's Alaskan operations. Though many furs were taken and great quanties of food were shipped north, the establishment never proved profitable, and in 1841, the fort was sold by the Russians to John Sutter.

For more information on Fort Ross, please see California Landmark 5.