In 1784, the Russian colony on Kodiak Island was founded under the leadership of Grigory Shelikhov, a merchant and explorer. Shelikhov had been actively involved in the fur trade, recognizing early on the rich resources available in the North Pacific region. After earlier expeditions, he established a permanent settlement on Kodiak, which served as a base for further explorations and resource extraction in the surrounding waters. The colony was designed to capitalize on the lucrative fur trade, particularly focusing on sea otters and other marine life that would supply furs for markets in Europe and Asia.

Kodiak Island was strategically chosen for its natural harbor and abundant wildlife, making it an ideal location for the Russian-American Company, which aimed to expand the Russian Empire's commercial interests. Shelikhov's efforts were pivotal in establishing trade networks between Russia and the indigenous populations, although these interactions were often exploitative and led to significant cultural changes among local tribes. The emergence of this colony also laid the groundwork for further Russian expeditions deeper into Alaska and the eventual colonization of parts of the west coast of North America.

The initial colony faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions and conflicts with local Native Alaskan tribes. However, Grigory Shelikhov’s determination and the company's resources helped sustain the settlement, leading to the establishment of a more extensive Russian presence in the region. This colony would eventually become a center for the fur trade and a critical component of Russia's North American endeavors, fostering future Russian settlements and exploration efforts in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.