Merchant Totma: From Salt Works to Sea Discoveries

17 points7 km0 hours

This route introduces you to the unique salt-making trade that made Totma one of the richest towns of the Russian North. This old town of seafarers and explorers also preserves the memory of the Totma merchants who conquered Alaska and California. We'll begin the tour at “Totma Salt,” a cultural and historical landscape complex in the village of Varnitsy, Totma District, Vologda Region. It introduces the ancient salt-making trade, which played an important role in the town's development. Here you'll learn all about salt making and see open-air museum exhibits and the Kokorev Garden. The route was prepared as part of the “Vsyako Doyedem” (“We'll Get There Anyway”) project.

Route author

Yulia Drugashkova

Things to do

История
Парки
Ремесло

Route points (17)

Kuskov Embankment in Totma

Point on route “Merchant Totma: From Salt Works to Sea Discoveries”

Point 12

Kuskov Embankment

🏞️ Enjoy the view • 🔭 Viewpoint • 🚶‍♂️ Waterfront

History

The embankment in Totma has historically been an important public space in the town. It used to be called Uspenskaya, after the Dormition Church. Since 1960 it has borne the name of Ivan Kuskov, the renowned seafarer and founder of Fort Ross in California. It was formerly a boulevard with several levels for strolling.

What's Special About the Place Now?

In 2019 the team of the Russian-French firm Orchestra Design, together with the town and district administrations, developed the project “Comprehensive Renovation of Kuskov Embankment.” The renovation work was carried out in 2020.

In Totma, Everyone Is a Traveler

The embankment's design tells the stories of the Totma seafarers who sailed to the shores of California. Sitting on the steps of the amphitheater, you can not only take in the river panorama but also learn these stories: 12 plaques with unique illustrations are placed on the seats.

Art Pieces

— The “Black Fox” sculpture — The “I Love Totma” sign — An arch of Siberian larch, a spot for photos with local color — The Kuskov Garden, which tells the story of Ivan Kuskov's expedition to California: here stand a stele and 11 bollards bearing the names of towns along which you can trace its route (a bollard is a metal post installed on a ship's deck and on a pier for securing ropes).