Bering's expedition brought back reports of a land full of fur-bearing animals. The quest for these furs and the fortunes they were worth became the driving force for Russian expansion into Alaska.

In 1743, one year after the return of Bering's crew, the first hunting expedition went to Bering Island. A series of fur-seeking voyages to Alaskan waters followed. The traders sought sea otter, fox, and fur seal pelts.  By 1745, Russian traders had reached Attu and Agattu islands at the western end of the Aleutian Islands. As the fur-seekers returned with more and more furs, more merchants became interested, and more traders went to Alaska. Within 20 years, the Russians were in mainland Alaska. In 1783, Russians would build their first permanent settlement on Kodiak, 2,000 miles from Russia. From there, they would expand into Southcentral and Southeast Alaska.

This chapter examines the initial era of Russian expansion into Alaska. It also examines the competition Russia faced from other nations, especially Great Britain, and how the arrival of Russians affected the Alaskan Natives already living there.

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