William Benitz Page last modified:

William Benitz
Fort Ross
After 1867

Fort Ross: Because of its historical significance as a Russian settlement in the early 19th century, is today a California state historical park.  Its history is described in great detail on the Fort Ross Conservancy and California Parks web sites as well as on Wikipedia (which omits the ranch era 1842-1902).
(We also recommned consulting Wikipedia for a History of California before 1900.)

(In development...)

Photos - 1870 & later

  Missing image of hotel.

Fort Ross Hotel, ca. 1880
The Benitz family home 1846 - 1867, unchanged except for
the added hotel sign and picket fence (see JKBz’s photos).
It was operated as a hotel 1878 - 1906,
mostly by “Uncle Billy” Morgan (see JKBz’s letters).
The original house built by the Russians was single story.
William added the porch and the 2-story sections at back.
Today it has been restored to its original Russian design
and is known as the “Rotchev House”.
(Source: Silvia Ucko)

  
  Missing image of hotel.

Fort Ross - Home & Hotel, ca. 1875
On the left is the back of the Benitz family home.
At the time of this photo it was the Call family home,
it later became the Fort Ross Hotel in 1878.
On the right the Officers Quarters
appear to be freshly painted.
(The photo is from a colored version.)
(Source: Lynn Rudy)

  

© Peter Benitz (Benitz Family)