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3.3.9.wavIn 1797, the Dena’ina, the Athabakan Natives of the Cook Inlet area, responded to escalating violence with the Lebedev-Lastochkin Company traders. Dena’ina warriors destroyed the trading posts at Tyonek and Old Iliamna. In what became known as the Battle of Kenai, they successfully captured the main Russian post at Kenai, Fort St. Nicholas. Most of the trading company employees who escaped the attack returned to Russia.
Battle of Kenai
Baranov would move into the area and take over the fort at Kenai and other posts in the area. However, the Dena'ina resistance would limit Russian expansion in Southcentral Alaska. Only a few traders and missionaries remained scattered in Dena’ina territory.
By limiting Russian expansion to isolated posts, the Dena'ina could control and benefit from the Russian trade. Using well-established trade routes and partnerships, the Dena’ina brought European goods such as iron, tobacco, tea, matches, beads, and cloth to more inland Athabaskan communities. These were exchanged for furs, which they traded for a profit at the Russian posts in Cook Inlet.
If you would like further information on Dena’ina resistance to Russian colonization in Cook Inlet and the consequences of the Battle of Kenai, here is a 6-minute video on the topic from the Anchorage Museum: Dena’ina Resistance.
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