original_query: What is the Russian-American Company?
query: What is the Russian-American Company?
answer: The Russian-American Company (RAC) was a state-sponsored chartered company established in 1799 by Emperor Paul I of Russia.  Its mission was to establish settlements in Russian America, trade with natives, and expand colonization.  It operated primarily in Alaska and parts of California, and later in Hawaii.  The company eventually ceased operations in 1881.