Mikhail Tebenkov facts for kids
Mikhail Dmitriyevich Tebenkov (also known as Tebenkof) was a Russian explorer and mapmaker. He was born in 1802 and passed away on April 3, 1872. Tebenkov became a vice admiral in the Imperial Russian Navy. From 1845 to 1850, he was in charge of the Russian-American Company. He also served as the governor of Russian America, which is now Alaska.
Tebenkov is famous for exploring and mapping the coast of Alaska. This area was not well known at the time. In 1852, he published his important book, Atlas of the Northwest Coasts of America. This atlas had 39 detailed maps.
Tebenkov's Journey and Work
Mikhail Tebenkov finished school at the Naval Cadet Corps in 1821. For the next three years, he worked on ships in the Baltic Sea. In 1824, he helped with getting wood for building ships near Narva.
In 1825, Tebenkov joined the Russian-American Company. This company helped Russia set up colonies and trade in North America. He commanded several ships for the company. These ships included the Golovnin, Ryurik, Chichagov, and Urup. He sailed on these ships between 1826 and 1834.
Mapping Alaska's Coast
Tebenkov was a skilled mapmaker, also called a hydrographer. In 1831, he mapped Norton Sound in Alaska. He was the first European to see the bay that is now named after him. He mapped Tebenkof Bay in 1833. After this, he went back to St. Petersburg.
In 1835, Tebenkov sailed back to Alaska. He went around Cape Horn on the ship Elena. He arrived in Sitka in April 1836. From 1845 to 1850, he was the director of the Russian-American Company. He also served as the governor of Russian America during this time. Tebenkov spent a lot of time improving maps of the Alaskan coast. He was one of the best Russian mapmakers of his era.
Tebenkov's Lasting Impact
Tebenkov's famous Atlas of the Northwest Coasts of America was published in 1852. The 39 maps in this atlas were made in Sitka around 1849. A man named Kozma Terentev, who was part Russian and part Alaskan Native, engraved these maps.
Many places in Alaska are named after Captain Mikhail Tebenkov. These include Tebenkof Bay, Tebenkof Glacier, Mount Tebenkof, and Point Tebenkof.
