Walrus Islands facts for kids
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Walrus Islands Archeological District
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Entrance to Round Island, Alaska
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 Location in Alaska
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| Location | Bristol Bay, Alaska |
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| Area | 9,187 acres (3,718 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 100000875 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 23, 2016 |
| Designated NHLD | December 23, 2016 |
The Walrus Islands (also known as Моржовые острова in Russian) are a group of rocky islands in the Bering Sea. They are located near the northern coast of Bristol Bay, Alaska, right at the entrance to Togiak Bay. These islands are about 18 kilometers east of Hagemeister Island. The state of Alaska protects them as the Walrus Islands State Game Sanctuary.
A part of these islands is also very important for understanding human history. Many old sites here show that people have used these islands for about 6,000 years. Because of this, Crooked Island, Summit Island, and Round Island were named the Walrus Islands Archeological District in December 2016. This area is a special place called a National Historic Landmark District. It includes 14 historical spots.
In 1968, the Walrus Islands were also recognized as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service. This means they are important for their natural features.
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Exploring the Walrus Islands
The Walrus Islands are a small group of islands and rocky spots that stretch out to the southeast. The main islands include Summit Island (which is close to the coast), High Island, Crooked Island, Black Rock Island, and Round Island. It's important not to confuse this Round Island with another one in the Aleutian Islands.
Crooked Island is the longest, stretching 10 kilometers from north to south. The highest point on these islands is 69 meters tall. These islands are part of the Dillingham Census Area, Alaska.
Who Discovered and Named the Islands?
Captain James Cook was the first to explore this island group in 1785. The Russian name "Morzh," which means "walrus," was first used by Lt. Sarichev in 1826. Later, Captain Mikhail Tebenkov gave the name "Ostrova Morzhovyye" ("Walrus Islands") to the entire group of islands east of Hagemeister Island in 1852.
Captain Tebenkov also thought that Walrus Island was the same as "Ound Island," which Captain Cook had mentioned in his writings.
Why Are They Called Walrus Islands?
The Walrus Islands got their name because a huge number of walruses gather in the waters around them every summer. The biggest gathering happens on Round Island. On one day, people have seen as many as 14,000 male walruses resting on the island!
This island group is part of the Walrus Islands State Game Sanctuary. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game manages this sanctuary. If you want to visit Round Island, you need to get a special permit.
A National Historic Landmark District
On January 11, 2017, President Barack Obama announced that the island group would be named a National Historic Landmark District. This is a very important title. The islands have many archaeological clues that show people lived there a long time ago. These clues date back to the Norton tradition from 6,000 years ago. This was around the time the Bering Sea level rose and separated the islands from the mainland. There are also signs of the more recent Thule people.
Other Walrus Islands
It's good to know that there are other places named Walrus Island. The Walrus Islands we are talking about here should not be confused with Walrus Island located in the southeastern part of Bristol Bay. Also, there is a tiny Walrus Island in the Pribilof Islands group.
