Port Etches facts for kids

Port Etches is a bay located in the southcentral part of Alaska, a state in the United States. It sits on the western side of Hinchinbrook Island. This bay opens into Hinchinbrook Entrance, which is a narrow water passage (a strait) between Hinchinbrook Island and Montague Island. This strait connects two larger bodies of water: Prince William Sound and the Gulf of Alaska.

The Naming of Port Etches

Port Etches has had several names throughout history, given by different explorers.

Early Names and Explorers

• Spanish Name: The earliest known European name for the bay was "Puerto de Santiago." This name was given on July 23, 1779, by Ignacio de Arteaga. He was on an exploration trip with Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra. The name honored Saint James, who is the patron saint of Spain. His special day is July 25.
• Russian Name: Later, Russian fur traders called the bay "Zaliv Nuchek."
• British Names:
  • In July 1787, Captain Nathaniel Portlock named it "Port Etches." He likely named it after John Cadman Etches or Richard Cadman Etches. These men were part of a company that traded furs from America to China.
  • George Dixon, who was with Portlock, called it "Port Rose."

Spain's Claim to the North Pacific

When the Spanish explorers were in Port Etches, they held a special ceremony to claim the land for Spain.

• All the officers and religious leaders went ashore in a procession.
• They put up a large cross.
• Cannons and muskets were fired to salute the occasion.
• They sang a hymn called Te Deum, followed by prayers.
• After a speech, they wrote and signed a formal document claiming ownership.

This claim to "Puerto de Santiago" was very important for many years. It was the main reason Spain said it owned parts of the North Pacific Ocean, up to a certain northern point (61°17′N latitude).

See also

In Spanish: Port Etches para niños