Culebra facts for kids

Culebra is a Spanish word that means "snake." It's used to name several different places and things around the world. This article will tell you about some of the most well-known things called Culebra.

Culebra, Puerto Rico

Culebra is a small, beautiful island located east of Puerto Rico. It is part of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, which is a territory of the United States. The island is known for its amazing beaches and clear blue waters.

Geography and Nature

Culebra is about 11 square miles (28 square kilometers) in size. It has a rugged coastline with many bays and inlets. The island is famous for its coral reefs, which are home to many colorful fish and other sea creatures. Because of its natural beauty, Culebra is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.

Much of Culebra is protected as a wildlife refuge. The Culebra National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1909. It helps protect important nesting sites for sea turtles and many kinds of seabirds. Flamenco Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the Caribbean, is also on Culebra.

History of Culebra

The island was first settled by Taíno people, who were the native inhabitants of the Caribbean. Later, in 1493, Christopher Columbus sailed past the island. Over the centuries, Culebra was used by pirates and smugglers.

In the early 20th century, the United States Navy used parts of Culebra for training exercises. This caused some environmental concerns. However, in 1975, the Navy stopped its operations on the island. This helped Culebra focus more on tourism and protecting its natural environment.

Culebra Peak

Culebra Peak is a tall mountain located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Colorado, United States. It is one of the highest peaks in Colorado, reaching an elevation of 14,047 feet (4,281 meters) above sea level.

Mountain Features

Culebra Peak is special because it is the southernmost mountain in Colorado that is over 14,000 feet tall. These mountains are often called "fourteeners" by hikers. The peak is known for its challenging trails and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Unlike many other fourteeners, Culebra Peak is located on private land. Hikers usually need permission to climb it. This helps protect the mountain's natural environment and wildlife.

Culebra Cut (Panama Canal)

The Culebra Cut is an important part of the Panama Canal. The Panama Canal is a famous waterway that connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It allows ships to travel between the two oceans without having to go all the way around South America.

Building the Cut

The Culebra Cut is an artificial valley that was dug through the continental divide in Panama. This was one of the most difficult parts of building the Panama Canal. Workers had to dig through many miles of solid rock and earth. The project faced huge challenges, including landslides and tropical diseases.

The digging of the Culebra Cut began in 1904 and was completed in 1913. It was a massive engineering achievement. In 1915, the Culebra Cut was renamed the Gaillard Cut. This was done to honor David du Bose Gaillard, an American engineer who played a key role in its construction.