Chichagof Harbor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chichagof Harbor |
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| Chichagof Bay, Tschitschagoff Harbor | |
Aerial photo of Chichagof harbor on Attu island, Alaska (USA), during the Battle of Attu, 11 to 30 May 1943.
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 Chichagof Harbor
Location in Alaska
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| Location |  United States AlaskaAttu Island |
| Coordinates | 52°55′48.24″N 173°14′41.21″E / 52.9300667°N 173.2447806°E |
| Type | Bay |
| Etymology | Vasily Chichagov |
| Ocean/sea sources | Bering Sea |
| Average depth | 2–4 fathoms (12–24 ft; 3.7–7.3 m) |
Chichagof Harbor is a small bay located on the northeast coast of Attu Island in Alaska. Attu Island is part of the Aleutian Islands, a chain of islands that stretches across the northern Pacific Ocean. This harbor is named after Vasily Chichagov, a famous Russian admiral and explorer who explored polar regions.
Chichagof Harbor is important for a few reasons. It was once home to a village of the Aleut people, who are the native people of the Aleutian Islands. It also played a role in World War II during a significant battle.
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What is Chichagof Harbor?
Chichagof Harbor is an inlet, which means it's a narrow strip of water that reaches inland from a larger body of water. In this case, it connects to the Bering Sea. The harbor's depth ranges from about 2 to 4 fathoms, which is roughly 12 to 24 feet (3.6 to 7.3 meters).
Where is Chichagof Harbor located?
This harbor is found on the northeastern side of Attu Island. Attu is the westernmost island in the Aleutian Islands chain. These islands are part of the state of Alaska in the United States. The Aleutian Islands are known for their rugged beauty and often foggy, windy weather.
How did Chichagof Harbor get its name?
The harbor is named after Vasily Chichagov. He was a Russian admiral and explorer who lived in the 1700s. He was known for his expeditions to the Arctic Ocean. Many places in Alaska and the Aleutian Islands were named by Russian explorers who visited the area centuries ago.
What happened at Chichagof Harbor during World War II?
Chichagof Harbor was a key location during the Battle of Attu in World War II. This battle took place from May 11 to May 30, 1943. During this time, American forces fought to take back Attu Island from Japanese soldiers who had occupied it.
The fighting around Chichagof Harbor was intense. After the battle, the harbor became a site for Battery B of the 42nd Coast Artillery Battalion. This was a military unit that helped protect the coast.
Who are the Aleut people?
Before World War II, Chichagof Harbor was the site of an Aleut village. The Aleut people are the indigenous (native) people of the Aleutian Islands. They have lived in this region for thousands of years, relying on the sea for food and resources. During the war, many Aleut people from Attu and other islands were moved from their homes for safety.
