According to one version, the first Russians to see Alaska were sailors from Semyon Dezhnev's expedition in 1648. Soon, our compatriots began to explore the remote corners of the Russian Empire. A significant role in this process was played by merchant Grigory Ivanovich Shelikhov. He was born in the Belgorod province, but at the age of 28, he went to Siberia, where one could earn money in fur trading. Shelikhov and his partners gradually moved east until they reached the Pacific Ocean. The sailors sailed further and further, discovering new islands inhabited by sea beavers, seals, walruses, and abundant valuable fish.

Grigory Ivanovich proposed to establish a Russian settlement on the Aleutian Islands. The central island became Kodiak, which in the local Indian language means "Point." Here, Shelikhov founded the town of Slavorossiya, which essentially served as a fortress with a port and economic buildings. The Russian settlers did not engage in the predatory extermination of fur-bearing animals for profit.

Over time, shipyards, forges, tanneries, as well as schools and hospitals appeared on the Aleutian Islands. Shelikhov sought to establish relations with the local Indians, although some American sources claim that conflicts arose resembling war. Nevertheless, the Aleutian Islands gradually transformed into a developed settlement.

However, the successful colonization did not please the English monarchs, and ships from England began to appear more frequently in these waters. Shelikhov tried to convey to the government the importance of retaining these territories for Russia but did not receive significant support. Then he independently erected Russian flags and boards with coats of arms and inscriptions "Land of Russian possession." For his merits, Shelikhov was nicknamed the Columbus of Russia during his lifetime. Grigory Ivanovich passed away at the age of 46 in 1795.