San Miguel Island
From Freepedia
Image:San-miguel-island.jpg San Miguel Island is the westernmost of California's Channel Islands and the sixth-largest of the eight at 9,325 acres (37.74 km²). The island, at its furthest extent, is 8 miles (13 km) long and 3.7 miles (6 km) wide.
San Miguel is part of Channel Islands National Park and lies within Santa Barbara County. This westernmost islands receive northwesterly winds and severe weather from the open ocean. The cold and nutrient-rich water surrounding the island is home to a diverse array of sea life. Submerged rocks make the nearly 28-mile (45-km) coastline a mariner's nightmare.
Rough seas and risky landings did not daunt the Chumash who lived there, nor did they deter the first European explorer, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, in 1542. It is also rumored be the burialplace of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo; there is a monument there in his honor. Ranchers raised sheep from 1850 to 1948. Later, the Navy used the island for a bombing range.
Point Bennett, the island's western beach, often plays host to as many as six different species of pinnipeds.
The San Miguel subspecies of island fox may be extinct.
Categories: Southern California geography stubs | Channel Islands of California | Santa Barbara County, California
