In the 18th century, the initiator of the Russian settlement in the New World was the navigator and explorer Grigory Shelekhov. Unlike the authorities, who were little interested in new lands, Shelekhov saw prospects in them. He began by building a fortress on Kodiak Island and gathered a team of like-minded individuals who continued his work after his death in 1795. The Russian-American Company they founded received a monopoly on the fur trade and the right to represent Russia in the new lands from the emperor. Alexander Baranov became the head of the company, and among the shareholders were influential officials and noblemen, including Alexander I.

After a fire, the partners signed a five-year contract, under which Baranov was obliged to manage Shelekhov's company. According to the terms of the agreement, his family in Russia was provided for, even in the event of his death. However, Alexander Andreyevich did not know that he would spend almost 30 years away from home, rather than the planned 5, and would never see his native shores again.

The 44-year-old successful merchant went to the Aleutian archipelago, where he began to establish Russian settlements on the islands. In 1802, under his leadership, the fortress of Novo-Arkhangelsk was built in Sitka, becoming the capital of Russian America. Continuing the exploration of territories, Baranov expanded trade relations with California, Hawaii, and China. Ships began to be built in the region, and coal was mined. Thanks to Baranov, who received the title of Chief Manager of Russian America, a copper smelting plant was built, and a school for the children of settlers was organized. Paul I awarded Baranov the Order of Saint Vladimir for his achievements.

Before the arrival of the Russians, these lands were inhabited by the Tlingit tribe. Baranov negotiated with the elders and built Fort St. Michael. Three years later, the Indians destroyed the fortress. The Russians needed two years, the help of the Aleuts, and the support of 24 cannons from the sailing ship Neva to regain the settlement and build a new fort, Novo-Arkhangelsk, which would be sold to the USA along with Alaska six decades later. The Russian settlement of Novo-Arkhangelsk was renamed Sitka, but the island still bears Baranov's name.

Heavy burdens undermined Baranov's health. It took 15 years to replace him, as much time had passed since his first request for resignation. The problem was that only a military officer of the naval fleet could be appointed to the position, which Baranov himself insisted on. He was a civil servant and often faced refusals from sailors to carry out his orders.

Alexander Andreyevich had almost unlimited power. Shelekhov allowed him to independently gather a team to implement plans. Rumors of abuses and wealth accumulation often surfaced, but they were dispelled by a report compiled during the handover of affairs. The 'company property' remained in 'perfect order,' and the accountable amount of 4.8 million was exceeded by 2.2 million.

Sitka Island, where the capital of Russian America grew, was renamed in Baranov's honor in 1805 and retained its name after the sale of Alaska to the USA. In 1989, a monument to Baranov was erected in the former Novo-Arkhangelsk (now Sitka). In 2020, during the fight against racism, the statue was moved from the city center to the historical museum. Local authorities considered that Baranov led the enslavement of the indigenous population and inflicted 'historical trauma on the native peoples of Alaska.'