The book introduces the history of the creation of the Vladivostok fortress and the most important historical role that it played during the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905. The publication is supplemented with information on the history of the fortress and the troops of its garrison, contained in archival materials and printed sources that had not previously been put into scientific circulation. The book has a brief introduction to the history of fortification. The initial period of the history of the fortress is described, including its features, as well as the location of the first coastal batteries.