Established by Russian fur trader Alexander Baranov in 1784, Kodiak was once the headquarters of the Russian Empire in the North Pacific, a history that is recalled at the city's impressive onion-domed Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church. Kodiak is situated on the northeastern tip of Kodiak Island, often referred to as the Emerald Isle because of its lush green landscape during the summer months. As one of the oldest communities in Alaska, Kodiak developed into a prosperous commercial fishing port, and fishing remains a popular activity for locals and visitors alike. For a fascinating journey through Kodiak's past, visit the Baranov Museum, which illuminates the Russian colonial period and the early American era through an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs and documents. The Kodiak Alutiiq Dancers are another cultural attraction not to be missed, as they present traditional dances that express spiritual and cultural values dating back thousands of years.