Fox Island (Alaska) facts for kids
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Nickname: Renard Island
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| Geography | |
| Location | Resurrection Bay, Pacific Ocean |
| Coordinates | 59°55′18″N 149°20′09″W / 59.92167°N 149.33583°W |
| Archipelago | Resurrection Archipelago |
| Highest elevation | 1,479 ft (450.8 m) |
| Highest point | Unnamed |
| Administration | |
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United States
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| State | Alaska |
| Borough | Kenai Peninsula |
Fox Island, also known as Renard Island, is a beautiful island located in Resurrection Bay in Alaska, USA. It's close to the city of Seward. The island is about 3.4 miles long and two miles wide. It's mostly covered by mountains, with three main peaks.
Fox Island is a popular spot for outdoor fun in the summer. People love to go kayaking, camping, and hiking there. The island also has two resorts and two state parks: Sandspit Point State Marine Park and Sunny Cove State Marine Park.
A Look Back: History of Fox Island
Fox Island has an interesting past, especially how it got its name and the famous artist who once lived there.
How Fox Island Got Its Name
In the early to mid-1900s, Fox Island was known for something called fox farming. This is where people raised foxes for their fur. This practice was very common on the island and is actually how it got its name! Fox farming continued until the 1960s, when it slowly stopped as farmers sold their land.
An Artist's Adventure: Rockwell Kent's Stay
In July 1918, a famous American artist named Rockwell Kent traveled to Alaska. He brought his eight-year-old son, also named Rockwell, with him. They arrived in Seward by steamship.
While exploring Resurrection Bay in a small boat, Kent and his son met Lars Matt Olson. Lars was a 71-year-old man from Sweden who lived on Fox Island. He ran a fox farm and a goat ranch there. Lars showed them around the island and offered them an old goat shed to live in for the winter.
Rockwell Kent was also a skilled carpenter. He fixed up the shed, making it a cozy home. He added a large window for light and put in stoves. With some help, they had everything they needed for the winter.
Kent and his son spent the winter on Fox Island with Lars. They would sometimes travel to Seward in a small, leaky boat to get mail and supplies. During his time on the island, Kent kept a detailed journal with drawings. He also painted many pictures and wrote hundreds of letters.
When he returned to New York in March 1919, Kent had a very successful art show. He also got a contract to publish his illustrated journal. His book, "Wilderness: A Journal of Quiet Adventure in Alaska," was published in 1920. This book and his art helped Rockwell Kent become very famous.
