Enterprise Island facts for kids
Enterprise Island
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 Enterprise Island
Location in Antarctica
Location in Antarctica
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Antarctica |
| Coordinates | 64°32′S 62°00′W / 64.533°S 62.000°W |
| Administration | |
| Administered under the Antarctic Treaty System | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Uninhabited |
Enterprise Island is a small island located in the cold waters of Antarctica. It's also known by other names like Isla Lientur or North Nansen Island. This island is about 2.8 kilometers (1.5 nautical miles) long. It sits at the northeast end of Nansen Island in Wilhelmina Bay. This bay is found off the west coast of Graham Land. Many people visit Enterprise Island today as part of special cruises to Antarctica.
Where is Enterprise Island?
Enterprise Island is part of the vast continent of Antarctica. It is specifically located near the Antarctic Peninsula. This area is known for its stunning icy landscapes and unique wildlife. The island is found in Wilhelmina Bay, which is a popular spot for ships.
How Enterprise Island Got Its Name
Long ago, in 1898, explorers from the Belgian Antarctic Expedition first mapped this area. They were led by Adrien de Gerlache. At that time, Enterprise Island and Nansen Island were thought to be just one large landmass. They named this combined feature "Île Nansen."
Later, in the early 1900s, many whalers came to this region. They started using the names North Nansen Island and South Nansen Island. This helped them tell the two islands apart. Over time, Nansen Island became the accepted name for the larger island.
Because of this, the United Kingdom Antarctic Place-names Committee (UK-APC) gave the smaller island a new name. They called it Enterprise Island. This name honors the hard work and spirit of the whalers. These whalers made a special harbor nearby a very busy place.
Foyn Harbor: A Whaling Spot
The whalers used a place called Foyn Harbor. This harbor is located on the south side of Enterprise Island. It was a major center for the whaling industry during the summer months. This busy period lasted from about 1916 to 1930.
Foyn Harbor was first explored and mapped in 1921–22. It was named by the whalers themselves. They named it after a whaling factory ship called the Svend Foyn. This ship was anchored in the harbor during the 1921–22 season.
