From early childhood, Lavrenty Zagoskin dreamed of the sea. However, his father, a retired second major, was convinced that his son would choose a military career rather than join the navy. Their disagreements lasted several years, but in the end, Zagoskin Jr. insisted on his own path. At 14, he entered the Kronstadt Naval Cadet Corps, and his entire career was tied to the fleet.

Zagoskin made his most significant discoveries between 1842 and 1846. At the request of the chief manager of Russian territories in the New World, Mr. Etolin, he led an expedition to study Alaska. Six brave travelers on dog sleds, skis, and boats covered more than 5,000 versts. Zagoskin and his team visited places where no European had set foot before. He introduced the world to previously unknown Eskimos and other indigenous peoples living on the far edges of the Russian Empire. Until the end of his days, Lavrenty Alexeyevich could not come to terms with the fact that the lands he explored were sold to the USA for a pittance. On October 18, 1867, the governor of Alaska, Dmitry Maksutov, lowered the Russian flag from his residence.

Lieutenant Captain of the Imperial Navy, Zagoskin retired in 1848 and moved to his wife's estate in Abakumovo, Ryazan Province. His main passion became gardening. Thanks to his efforts, a magnificent fruit orchard was established on the estate. Zagoskin repeatedly participated in all-Russian exhibitions, where he received prizes and medals. The traveler took particular pride in four cascading fish ponds.

In Abakumovo, they still tell how a young assistant named Vanya from the neighboring village of Dolgoye worked in Zagoskin's garden. The boy happily tended to the trees and rare flowers. This village has survived to this day but is now called Michurinka, in honor of the famous scientist Ivan Michurin. Zagoskin's neighbor was the equally renowned traveler Semyonov-Tyan-Shansky, who brought many exotic flowers and shrubs from Central Asia for Lavrenty Alexeyevich.