Abtao Island facts for kids
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Native name:
Huapi Abtao
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Abtao Island, lower left
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| Geography | |
| Coordinates | 41°49′1″S 73°19′27″W / 41.81694°S 73.32417°W |
| Adjacent bodies of water | Reloncaví Sound, Chacao Channel |
| Length | 5.2 km (3.23 mi) |
| Width | .8 km (0.5 mi) |
| Administration | |
| Region | Los Lagos |
| Province | Llanquihue |
| Commune | Calbuco |
| Additional information | |
| NGA UFI -871157 | |
Abtao Island, also known as Isla de Abtao, is a cool island that's part of the Chiloé Archipelago in Chile. It's a place with a lot of history. A big naval battle, called the Battle of Abtao, happened right near the island on February 7, 1866. This was during a conflict known as the Chincha Islands War.
Contents
What is Abtao Island Like?
Abtao Island was formed by volcanoes, which means it has cool rocky features. It stretches from northwest to southeast, just off the east coast of the Challahue peninsula. The island is about five kilometers (3.1 miles) long. It's also about 800 meters (0.5 miles) wide on average.
Island Features
- At its northwest end, the island has two points: Punta Barranco to the north and Punta Lilihue to the west.
- About one-third of the way down from the north, the island gets narrower. Here, you'll find a safe harbor called Puerto Abtao on the western side.
- The island ends at Punta Quilque on its southwest side.
- The southern half of Abtao Island is mostly flat.
- The northern part is a bit higher, reaching 47 meters (154 feet) above sea level. This area has more uneven land.
- Parts of the island are covered in forests.
A Look Back: Abtao Island's History
Abtao Island has a long and interesting past. It has been home to different groups of people and seen important events.
Early Inhabitants
When the Spanish first arrived in the Americas, Abtao Island was home to the Chono people. These were nomadic indigenous people. The island's name, "Abtao," actually comes from their language.
First Settlements
The first recorded settlement on Abtao began in 1602. About 300 Huilliche people moved there. They were loyal to the Spanish and had fled from the city of Osorno. This happened after a big event called the Destruction of the Seven Cities. These Huilliche people were not under the usual Spanish system of control. Instead, they were seen as an independent group allied with the Spanish in the Governorate of Chiloé. To protect this new settlement and others, the Spanish built a fort on nearby Calbuco Island in 1603. This fort helped defend the area around the Gulf of Ancud and the Chiloé Archipelago.
Spanish Rule Ends
Abtao Island was one of the very last places in Chile that the Spanish controlled. It didn't become part of independent Chile until 1826.
The Battle of Abtao
A very important event happened near Abtao Island on February 7, 1866. This was the Battle of Abtao. It took place in the narrow channel between the island and Punta Auco on the Challahue peninsula. During the Chincha Islands War, Spain sent two powerful warships to destroy the combined fleets of Chile, Bolivia, and Peru. But their attack was not successful. The South American navies fought bravely and pushed back the Spanish ships.
To remember this victory, all three South American countries gave out special medals. Today, there is a small monument on Abtao Island dedicated to the battle. Every year, members of the Chilean Navy gather there to honor the successful defense against the enemy.
See also
In Spanish: Abtao para niños
