Cape Muzon facts for kids
Cape Muzon is a special place in Alaska, a state in the United States. It's a cape, which is a piece of land that sticks out into the sea. This cape is the most southern tip of Dall Island. It also marks the northwest edge of a waterway called the Dixon Entrance.
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What is Cape Muzon?
Cape Muzon is a significant landmark in the Alexander Archipelago of Alaska. It is the southernmost point of Dall Island. This cape also marks the northwestern end of the Dixon Entrance, a large waterway.
Why is Cape Muzon Important?
Cape Muzon is very important because it is located right on the border between Alaska and Canada. A special agreement, called the Alaska Boundary Treaty, decided exactly where this border is. Cape Muzon is known as the western end of a specific part of this border, called the "A-B Line." This line helps define the boundary between the two countries.
How Did Cape Muzon Get Its Name?
The name "Muzon" has an interesting history. In 1792, a Spanish explorer named Jacinto Caamaño first named it Cabo de Muñoz. Later, another famous explorer, George Vancouver, used Caamaño's maps. It seems Vancouver accidentally changed two letters, and the name became "Muzon."
Other Names for the Cape
Before it was called Muzon, the cape had other names. In 1787, George Dixon called it Cape Pitt. It was also known as Cape Irving, Kaigani, Caiganee, and Kygane. The native people of the area had their own name for it, which was published in Russian as Mys Kaygany in 1852.
Trading Near Cape Muzon
During the time of the maritime fur trade, a busy trading spot called "Kaigani" was located very close to Cape Muzon. This was a place where people traded valuable furs.