kids encyclopedia robot

Cape Froward facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Red pog.svg
South America southern tip pol.png
Location of Cape Froward in the Magallanes Region.

Cape Froward (which is Cabo Froward in Spanish) is a very important place. It is the southernmost tip of the mainland part of South America. This means it's the furthest south you can go on the continent itself.

This special cape is found in the Magallanes Region of Chile. It sits on the northern side of the famous Magellan Strait. Cape Froward is also the very end of a piece of land called the Brunswick Peninsula.

Why is Cape Froward Important?

Cape Froward is known for being the southernmost point of mainland South America. This makes it a significant landmark for geography. It is also famous for its very wild and stormy weather.

How Cape Froward Got Its Name

The name "Froward" was given to this cape in January 1587. An English explorer named Thomas Cavendish was sailing in the area. He decided to call it "Froward" because of the harsh weather. The word "froward" means difficult or stubborn. It perfectly described the strong winds and heavy rains often found there.

The Cross of the Seas

On a hill at Cape Froward, there is a large metal cross. It is called Cruz de los Mares, which means "Cross of the Seas." This cross was put there to honor Pope John Paul II's visit to Chile in 1987.

The cross you see today is not the first one. The first cross was built in 1913. Since then, the harsh weather has damaged the crosses many times. Each time, a new one has been built to replace it.

See also

  • Cape Horn
  • False Cape Horn
  • Froward Point
  • XII Región de Magallanes

Images for kids

kids search engine
Cape Froward Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.