Long Island (Alaska) facts for kids
Long Island is an island located in southeastern Alaska, United States. It is part of the Alexander Archipelago, a large group of islands. Long Island sits across the Kaigani Strait from the southern part of Dall Island. To its west is the southern part of Prince of Wales Island. Just north of Long Island is Sukkwan Island.
This island helps form the western edge of Cordova Bay. Long Island covers an area of about 116 square kilometers (44.84 square miles). According to the 2000 census, no one lived on the island at that time.
A Look at Long Island
Long Island was once home to the Kaigani Haida village called Howkan. This was one of the largest Haida villages. It might have been a place where people lived during the winter. In the 1800s, Howkan was said to have between 300 and 500 residents. Another Haida village, Koianglas (also known as Kweundlas), was also located on Long Island. There was also an old Haida site near Kaigani Point, at the very southern tip of the island.
Trading Days
In the early 1800s, traders who bought and sold animal furs often visited the Kaigani Strait. This strait is on the west side of Long Island. They especially went to places like American Bay, Datzkoo Harbor, and the Kaigani Harbors on Dall Island. These spots were known together as "Kaigani." The traders exchanged goods with the Kaigani Haida people who lived on Long Island, Dall Island, and nearby areas.
Modern Times
In the 1980s, Long Island had a logging camp. This was a place where people lived and worked, cutting down trees. The camp even had a small school house with three rooms for the children of the logging families.
Island Population Changes
Long Island appeared on the U.S. Census once, in 1990. At that time, it was listed as a "census-designated place," meaning it was a specific area counted by the census. In 1990, 198 people lived there. However, by 2000, the logging camp had closed down. Because of this, Long Island was no longer listed as a populated place in the census. It's important not to confuse this Long Island with a former city of Long Island, which is now part of Big Lake.
