Houston Stewart Channel facts for kids
Houston Stewart Channel is a narrow waterway located in Haida Gwaii, a group of islands off the coast of British Columbia, Canada. This channel acts like a natural divider, separating two important islands: Moresby Island and Kunghit Island. It's a significant part of the beautiful and rugged landscape of Haida Gwaii.
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What is Houston Stewart Channel?
Houston Stewart Channel is a type of waterway called a strait. A strait is a narrow passage of water that connects two larger bodies of water. In this case, the channel connects parts of the Pacific Ocean around the Haida Gwaii islands. It's a place where the ocean flows between landmasses, creating a unique environment.
How Did It Get Its Name?
The channel has had several names throughout history, reflecting the different people who explored or lived near it.
The Official Name
The name "Houston Stewart Channel" was given in 1853 by a man named James Charles Prevost. He named it to honor William Houston Stewart, who had been the commander of the ship HMS Virago before Prevost. This was a common way to name places during that time, often after important people or ships.
Other Historical Names
Before it was officially named Houston Stewart Channel, this waterway was known by other names:
- Ibberston Sound: In 1787, a Maritime fur trader named George Dixon called it Ibberston Sound. Fur traders were people who traveled by sea to trade animal furs.
- Barrell Sound: American fur traders, including John Kendrick and Robert Gray, named it Barrell Sound in 1789. They named it after Joseph Barrell, who owned some of their trading ships, Columbia Rediviva and Lady Washington.
- Koya's Straits: The channel was also known as Koya's Straits. This name honored Chief Koyah of the Haida, the Indigenous people who have lived in Haida Gwaii for thousands of years. This name shows the deep connection the Haida people have to their land and waters.
Early Encounters and History
The channel was a place where different groups of people met and sometimes had disagreements. In 1794, there were tensions between the Haida people and two fur trading ships, the Ino and the Resolution, that were visiting the channel. These interactions were part of the early history of trade and exploration in the region.
