Gerasim Izmailov facts for kids

Gerasim Grigoryevich Izmaylov (Russian: Герасим Григорьевич Измайлов; born around 1745 – died after 1795) was a brave Russian explorer. He played a big part in Russia setting up colonies in America, especially in Alaska. Izmaylov was famous for creating the first detailed maps of the Aleutian Islands.

Gerasim Izmaylov: A Russian Explorer

Early Life and Challenges

Gerasim Izmaylov was born in Yakutsk, a city in Russia. He went to a special school for navigators in Okhotsk. There, he became good friends with Dmitry Bocharov. They worked together for many years.

In 1771, Izmaylov and Bocharov faced a tough challenge. They were caught up in a rebellion led by Maurice Benyovszky. This happened in Bolsheretsk on Kamchatka. Izmaylov tried to escape the rebels. But he was punished harshly and left alone on Simushir island. This island was one of the empty Kuril Islands.

For a whole year, Izmaylov survived by eating scallops, grass, and roots. Finally, people collecting taxes rescued him. He was questioned in Irkutsk because of his connection to Benyovszky. But in 1774, he was found innocent of all charges.

Mapping the Aleutian Islands

In 1775, Izmaylov became the captain of a boat called St. Paul. His job was to map the coasts of the Aleutian Islands. These islands are in the northern Pacific Ocean.

Meeting Captain Cook

In October 1778, Izmaylov was visiting Unalaska island. There, he met the famous Captain James Cook. Captain Cook gave Izmaylov a special tool called an octant. This tool helps sailors find their position at sea. In return, Izmaylov gave Cook a letter for the authorities in Kamchatka. Cook also gave Izmaylov a new map of North America's western coast. This map was meant to be given to the British Navy.

Founding Russian America

Between 1783 and 1785, Izmaylov went on an important journey with Grigory Shelikhov. They sailed from Okhotsk to Kodiak Island. On Kodiak Island, they started the very first Russian settlement in America. This was a big step for Russia's presence in the New World.

Exploring New Lands

In 1789, Izmaylov was the first person to explore and map the Kenai Peninsula. This area is also in Alaska. Three years later, he started working for Alexander Andreyevich Baranov. Izmaylov helped Baranov defend against a sea attack by the Tlingit people. The Tlingit are a Native American group.

Later Voyages and Legacy

After spending the winter in Unalaska, Izmaylov visited Saint Paul Island. There, he found the crew of a Russian ship that had been missing since 1791. He brought them safely back to Okhotsk in June 1794.

Izmaylov is mentioned for the last time in 1795. At that time, he traveled to Alaska with a group of Orthodox missionaries. They were led by Father Joasaph. Gerasim Izmaylov was a key figure in exploring and mapping Alaska. He helped establish Russia's early presence in North America.

See also

In Spanish: Guerásim Izmáilov para niños