Mikhail Levashov (sailor) facts for kids

Mikhail Dmitrievich Levashov was a brave Russian explorer and a naval officer. He lived in the 1700s. Levashov was one of the first explorers to travel to Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. This happened after another famous explorer, Vitus Bering, had a difficult journey in 1741. Levashov worked with Peter Kuzmich Krenitzin on these important trips.

Exploring New Lands

Mikhail Levashov was sent on an important mission by the Russian Empress Catherine II. His main job was to help the expedition leader, Peter Krenitzin. Their goal was to explore the northern parts of the Pacific Ocean. They especially wanted to map the area around the Bering Strait.

The expedition used four ships. Levashov was the commander of a ship named St. Paul. Krenitzin commanded another ship called St. Catherine. Together, they carefully explored the eastern part of the Aleutian Islands.

Winter Journeys

During their long journey, the explorers had to stop for winter. In 1768 and 1769, Levashov stayed in a natural harbor in Unalaska. This is an island in Alaska. The next year, after exploring more, both ships spent the winter in Kamchatka. This is a large peninsula in Russia.

Naming Places

As they explored, Krenitzin and Levashov helped create new maps. They gave names to many places along the Alaskan coast. For example, Avatanak and Akutan Island were named by them. These names are still used today.

Taking Command

On July 4, 1770, a sad event happened. Peter Krenitzin drowned. After this, Mikhail Levashov took charge of the entire Russian expedition. He then led the ships back home to St. Petersburg. He arrived there on October 22, 1771.

A Place Named for Him

Later, a harbor in Unalaska was named in honor of Levashov. This was the same harbor where he had spent his first winter in the Northern Pacific. Lieutenant Gavril Sarychev named it Port Levashef to remember this early Russian explorer.