200th anniversary of Russian Fort celebrated in Hawaii

Celebrations dedicated to Fortress Elizabeth named after wife of Russian Emperor Alexander I. It was built two hundred years ago by sailors of Russian-American company, TASS reports. Forum, round table and exhibition dedicated to Russian presence in Hawaii were arranged at the jubilee.

Three fortified constructions were built at the Islands; only of them was preserved until now. Walls of the fortress made of stone, foundations and some constructions could be seen at the Southern part of the islands.

According to the head of Center for global trends and international organizations of Diplomatic Academy of Russian Foreign Ministry Vladimir Orlov, who took part at the commemorative events, the Russian flag fluttered over the fortress and the Kauai King asked to include the Island into the Russian Empire. The fortress was meant for defense purposes, besides, it was a center of Russian presence at the Island.

The diplomat has added that some local historians have been discussing a question of renaming the fortress, which now is referred to as Russian Fort and turning it into the symbol of the Island’s independence. Vladimir Orlov is sure that these tendencies are worrying and need to be discussed.

In particular, professor of anthropology Peter Mills from Hawaii University believes that Russians played a secondary role at construction of the fortress.

Orlov has underlined that this position does not appeal to him, local population were just labor force at construction. Russian expert believes that Russian authorities should pay more attention to this monument of its cultural heritage.

Russkiy Mir