Leffingwell Camp Site facts for kids
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Leffingwell Camp Site
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Sod house at the Leffingwell Camp Site (1949)
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 Location in Alaska
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| Location | On Flaxman Island, about 58 miles (93 km) west of Kaktovik |
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| Area | 10 acres (4.0 ha) |
| Built | 1906 |
| Built by | Anglo-American Polar Expedition |
| NRHP reference No. | 71001093 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 21, 1971 |
| Designated NHL | June 2, 1978 |
The Leffingwell Camp Site is a special historical place on Flaxman Island in Alaska. It's about 58 miles (93 km) west of Kaktovik, on the Arctic Coast. This site was used by a brave explorer and scientist named Ernest de Koven Leffingwell.
He stayed here during his important Anglo-American Polar Expedition from 1906 to 1908. The main goal of this trip was to explore the Beaufort Sea, a part of the Arctic Ocean.
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Ernest Leffingwell's Arctic Adventure
Ernest Leffingwell was a geologist, which means he studied rocks and the Earth. He was also a polar explorer, someone who travels to the Earth's coldest regions. His expedition started with a ship called the Duchess of Bedford.
Sadly, the ship got stuck in the thick ice. Over time, the ice crushed and destroyed it. Luckily, Leffingwell had already chosen this camp site before the ship was lost. It wasn't just the closest land; it was a carefully picked spot.
Life at the Camp Site
Leffingwell used this camp for several years, even after his main expedition ended. It became his base for exploring the Arctic. He lived and worked from this remote location.
After his ship was destroyed, Leffingwell returned home in 1908. He traveled as a guest of Captain George B. Leavitt. Captain Leavitt was a whaler from New Bedford, Massachusetts. His ship was named the Narwhal.
Leffingwell later named Narwhal Island after the captain's ship. He also named Leavitt Island, off the Alaska North Slope, after Captain Leavitt himself. Captain Leavitt later married an Inuit woman and settled in Barrow, Alaska.
Leffingwell's Amazing Discoveries
Ernest Leffingwell made many important discoveries during his time in the Arctic. He created the first accurate map of a large part of the Alaskan coastline. This was a huge help for future explorers and scientists.
Understanding Permafrost
He was also the first person to scientifically describe permafrost. Permafrost is ground that stays frozen for at least two years in a row. Leffingwell developed theories about permafrost that have mostly been proven true by modern science.
Discovering Oil Potential
Leffingwell also correctly identified that the area had a lot of oil. He understood that it wasn't possible to get the oil out of the ground back then. The technology wasn't ready, and it would have been too expensive. He was very forward-thinking!
A Historic Landmark
Over the years, parts of the camp site were removed by people looking for materials in the 1930s. However, the site still holds great historical value.
The Leffingwell Camp Site was recognized for its importance in 1971. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes places that are important to American history. In 1978, it was declared a National Historic Landmark. This is an even higher honor for places that show outstanding national importance.
