# Fall of Bomarsund (16 August 1854)

URL: https://allhistories.com/finland/timeline/1854-fall-of-bomarsund
Location: Bomarsund, Åland
Themes: Wars & Battles

In August 1854 a British and French expeditionary force landed on Åland and besieged Bomarsund. The Russian garrison surrendered on 16 August and the allies blew up the fortress. Russia had been fortifying Åland since the 1830s, alarming Sweden and Britain. The capture was the main allied success in the Baltic theatre of the Crimean War.

## Why it matters
The episode led directly to the international demilitarisation of the Åland Islands.

Ruler at the Time: [Nicholas I](https://allhistories.com/finland/rulers/nicholas-i)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Bomarsund](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bomarsund)
- [Wikipedia — Åland War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Åland_War)
- [Wikipedia — Grand Duchy of Finland (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Duchy_of_Finland)