Chichagof Island facts for kids
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Native name:
Shee Kaax
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Islands and major straits of the northern Pacific Northwest Coast
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 Chichagof
Location in Alaska
Chichagof Island (Alaska)
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| Geography | |
| Location | ABC islands of Alaska |
| Coordinates | 57°52′25″N 135°46′35″W / 57.87361°N 135.77639°W |
| Archipelago | Alexander Archipelago |
| Area | 2,048.61 sq mi (5,305.9 km2) |
| Length | 75 mi (121 km) |
| Width | 50 mi (80 km) |
| Highest elevation | 3,909 ft (1,191.5 m) |
| Administration | |
| State | Alaska |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 1342 (2000) |
| Pop. density | 0.25 /km2 (0.65 /sq mi) |
Chichagof Island (Russian: Остров Чичагова), also known as Shee Kaax, is a large island located in the Alexander Archipelago in Southeast Alaska. It's part of the United States.
This island is about 75 miles (121 km) long and 50 miles (80 km) wide. It covers an area of about 2,049 square miles (5,307 km²). This makes it the fifth largest island in the United States. It is also the 109th largest island in the world. Its coastline stretches for 742 miles (1,194 km).
In 2000, about 1,342 people lived on Chichagof Island. It is one of the ABC islands of Alaska. Chichagof Island is famous for having more brown bears per square mile than almost anywhere else on Earth!
Contents
Where is Chichagof Island Located?
Chichagof Island is found in the panhandle of Alaska. It sits just north of Baranof Island. The two islands are separated by a narrow waterway called Peril Strait.
To the east, Chatham Strait borders the island. Icy Strait is to the northeast. Cross Sound is to the northwest. The vast Gulf of Alaska lies to its west.
Communities and Economy
Several small towns are located on the northern part of Chichagof Island. These include Hoonah, Pelican, Tenakee Springs, and Elfin Cove. These towns are part of the Hoonah-Angoon Census Area.
The southern part of the island belongs to the City and Borough of Sitka. In 2000, only eight people lived in this southern section.
The people living on Chichagof Island rely on its natural resources. Their main jobs come from the island itself or the waters around it. Important activities include:
- Commercial fishing: catching fish to sell.
- Guided hunting trips: helping people hunt animals.
- Charter fishing: taking groups out on boats to fish.
- Logging: cutting down trees for wood.
Island's Name and Nature
Chichagof Island is named after Admiral Vasili Chichagov. He was a Russian Arctic explorer. Interestingly, he never actually visited Alaska!
The entire island is located within the Tongass National Forest. This is the largest national forest in the United States. The western coast of the island is a special protected area. It is called the West Chichagof-Yakobi Wilderness. This means it is kept wild and untouched.
See also
In Spanish: Isla de Chichagof para niños
