Killisnoo Island facts for kids

Killisnoo Island is a small piece of land surrounded by water, located in southeastern Alaska. It is part of the Alexander Archipelago, which is a group of islands. You can find it near the central west coast of Admiralty Island, just south of the city of Angoon. Killisnoo Island is also the name of a community that exists on this island.

History of Killisnoo Island

Early Trading and Whaling Activities

In 1878, a company called the North West Trading Company set up a trading post on Killisnoo Island. They also built a station for hunting whales. People from nearby villages were hired to help hunt these large sea animals.

Growth of the Community

Hunting whales, a special school for Native American children (called a BIA school), and a Russian Orthodox Church brought many Tlingit people to live in Killisnoo. This made the community grow.

First Commercial Fishing Operations

In 1882, the first large-scale commercial fishing for herring started at Killisnoo. Herring are small, silvery fish. Around the same time, the first two fish canneries were built in Central Alaska. Canneries are factories where fish are processed and sealed in cans.

Alaska Northwest Trading Company Establishment

By 1886, the Alaska Northwest Trading Company built a new facility right inside the Tlingit Village on Killisnoo Island. This spot was chosen because of the excellent fishing opportunities. It also had a calm, protected waterway known as Chatham Strait, which was perfect for boats.