Woewodski Island facts for kids
Woewodski Island is a cool island located in Southeast Alaska, which is part of the United States. It's one of many islands that make up the Alexander Archipelago. Imagine a group of islands scattered like jewels in the ocean – that's the Alexander Archipelago!
Where is Woewodski Island?
This island sits between two other islands. To its west, you'll find Kupreanof Island, and they are separated by a waterway called Duncan Canal. To the east, Woewodski Island is separated from Mitkof Island by a narrow passage of water known as the Wrangell Narrows.
How Did Woewodski Island Get Its Name?
Woewodski Island got its name from a person named Stepan Vasilivich Woewodski. He was a Captain Lieutenant and held an important job: he was the chief director of the Russian American colonies from 1854 to 1859. Think of him as the main leader in charge of the Russian settlements in parts of North America during that time.
The name "Woewodski" first showed up on a Russian map in 1848. On that map, it was called "O(strov)va Voyevodskago." Before that, in 1838, another person named G. Lindenberg called part of the island "Medvezhiy," which means "of the bear" in English. Maybe there were a lot of bears there back then!
Who First Explored the Island?
The very first European person to see Woewodski Island was James Johnstone. He was an officer working with George Vancouver, a famous explorer. Johnstone was part of Vancouver's big expedition that explored the Pacific Ocean between 1791 and 1795. In 1793, Johnstone sailed all the way around Woewodski Island. By doing this, he proved that it was indeed a separate island and not connected to the mainland.
