The channel separating Chichagof Island from the Alaska mainland, Icy Strait is a 40-mile stretch that links Chatham Strait and
Cross Sound. Because of the current and nutrient-rich water in the wide channel, marine mammals and sea birds thrive. It is a
spectacular display of Alaska's most majestic creatures. The surrounding temperate rain forest habitat is also spectacular.
The northern end of the Alexander Archipelago's "1000 islands," Chichagof Island numbers among Alaska's "ABC Islands" (Alexander,
Baranof, and Chichagof). North of Baranof Island and surrounded by Peril Straits, Chatham Strait, Icy Strait, Cross Sound, and the
open Gulf of Alaska, the island is 75 miles long, 50 miles wide, and 4000 feet above sea level at its highest point. Named to honor
Russian Admiral Vasiliy Chichagov (see below), it has been used as a fish processing and canning center, lumber operation, mining
(tungsten and nickel), and fishing base. The island's unofficial "capital," tiny Hoonah on the north-eastern corner, is a ferry port
with links to Glacier Bay, Juneau and other Southeast communities, is one of the largest Tlingit settlements in Southeastern Alaska.
According to legend, the ancestors crossed from Glacier Bay centuries ago. Two other small Chichagof Island settlements, Tenakee Springs
on the north shore of Tenakee Inlet (northeastern side of the island), and Pelican on a small inlet near Point Theodore (northwestern
corner of the island) war also established by the same migrating group.
Vasiliy Chichagov (February 28, 1726 - April 4, 1809) was an admiral and explorer. His son, Pavel later also served as a Russian admiral
(Napoleonic Wars). After joining the navy at 16, he rose quickly. By the time esteemed scientist Lomonosov organized a 1765 expedition
to find the Northeast Passage (between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans) along the northern coast of Siberia, Chichagov, then serving as
deputy commandant of Arkhangelsk Port, was named to lead the expedition. The goal proved elusive, but Chichigof charted parts of Alaska
and the Admiralty Archipelago.
