Parry Passage facts for kids
Parry Passage is a narrow body of water, like a natural channel, located between Langara Island to the north and Graham Island to the south. Both islands are part of Haida Gwaii, which used to be known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, in British Columbia, Canada.
Contents
What's in a Name? The History of Parry Passage
Parry Passage is also sometimes called Parry Channel. It was named after an important explorer, William Edward Parry.
How it Got its Current Name
The passage received its current name in 1953. It was named by Commander James Prevost, who was in charge of a ship called HMS Virago. He named it after William E. Parry, who was a close friend of his and a famous explorer.
Earlier Names for the Passage
Before it was called Parry Passage, this waterway had several other names given by different explorers over time:
- In the late 1700s, it was called Cox's Channel. This name came from one of the people who supported a ship called Iphigenia, which was commanded by William Douglas.
- Later, in 1791 and 1792, Joseph Ingraham named it "Cunneyah's Streights". He named it after the chief of a nearby village called Kiusta.
- In 1792, Jacinto Caamaño gave it the name Puerto de Floridablanca. This was in honor of the Conde de Floridablanca, a Spanish count.
Early Explorations
The first detailed map and study of Parry Passage was done in 1791. This important survey was carried out by Captain Etienne Marchand, who was sailing on a ship named La Solide.
Nearby Haida Village
The historic Haida village of Dadens was once located right on the southern tip of Langara Island. From there, the villagers would have had a clear view of Parry Passage.
