Etolin Island facts for kids
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 Etolin
Location in Alaska
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Pacific Ocean |
| Coordinates | 56°05′52″N 132°21′37″W / 56.09778°N 132.36028°W |
| Archipelago | Alexander Archipelago |
| Area | 339.03 sq mi (878.1 km2) |
| Length | 30 mi (50 km) |
| Width | 22 mi (35 km) |
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United States
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| State | Alaska |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 15 (2000 census) |
Etolin Island is a beautiful island located in southeastern Alaska, United States. It is part of the Alexander Archipelago, a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean. The island is found between Prince of Wales Island to its west and the mainland of Alaska to its east. It is also southwest of Wrangell Island.
Etolin Island is known for its natural beauty and its role in Alaskan history. It is home to a special type of elk. Most of the island is protected as part of a large national forest.
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Island Facts and Location
Etolin Island is quite large, measuring about 30 miles (48 kilometers) long. It is between 10 and 22 miles (16 to 35 kilometers) wide. The total land area of the island is about 339 square miles (878 square kilometers). This makes it the 24th largest island in the United States.
According to a census taken in 2000, only 15 people lived on Etolin Island. This means it is a very quiet and natural place.
History of Etolin Island
Etolin Island was first explored and mapped in 1793. This was done by James Johnstone, who was an officer working with George Vancouver. Vancouver was leading a big expedition from 1791 to 1795.
When Johnstone first mapped the island, he only explored its southwest and east coasts. He did not realize it was a complete island at the time.
How the Island Got Its Name
The island was originally named Duke of York Island. This name was given before the United States bought Alaska. After the Alaska Purchase in 1867, the United States renamed many places.
The island was renamed Etolin Island to honor Adolf Etolin. He was an important governor of the Russian American colonies. He served in this role from 1840 to 1845.
Nature and Wildlife
Etolin Island is a special place for nature lovers. It has a population of elk that were brought to the island. These elk now live and thrive there.
The entire island is located within the Tongass National Forest. This is the largest national forest in the United States. It helps protect the island's unique environment.
South Etolin Wilderness
A large part of the southern end of Etolin Island is even more protected. It has been officially named the South Etolin Wilderness. This means the area is kept wild and untouched by human development.
The Etolin Canoe
A very old and important item was found on Etolin Island. It is called the Etolin Canoe. This is a historic dugout canoe. It was found unfinished, meaning it was not fully carved or completed.
The Etolin Canoe is so important that it is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect special places and items in American history.
See also
