Sunday, February 04, 2007
The Islands of Juan Fernandez
Juan Fernandez is actually an Archipelago located some 600 kilometers from the Chilean mainland in the Pacific Ocean.
The main island sometimes referred to as Juan Fernandez was called Mas à Tierra but has now been renamed (in 1966, by the Chilean government) to Robinson Crusoe Island. Another Island in the group once called Mas à Feura has been renamed Alejandro Selkirk.
furthermore...
The archipelago is certainly referred to as Juan Fernandez after the Spanish navigator of that name. He discovered the islands in 1574. Sometimes the main island is called by that name. In fact it was named Mas a Tierra or Masa Tierra. In 1966 Chile renamed the island 'Robinson Crusoe'. The other island in the group has been called Mas a Fuera, Masa Feuro and was also renamed in 1966. It is now named Alejandro Selkirk. Alexander Selkirk was, in fact, marooned on the main island.
There are many accounts of visits to these islands:
- An account of Juan Fernandez was given by Basil Ringrose in his journal published in Oliver Esquemeling's 'Buccaneers of America' published in 1685.
- William Dampier published his "A New Voyage Round the World" in 1697. His account of voyaging between 1679 and 1691 included a section about the Juan Fernadez Islands.
- Juan Fernandez was visited by Captain Woodes Rogers in 1709 during his voyage around the world.
- In 1741 George Anson, later Lord Anson stayed at Juan Fernandez with his ship 'Centurion' during his Voyage Round the World.
- Richard Henry Dana visited Juan Fernandez on board the 'Pilgrim' and wrote about it in 'Two years Before the Mast' published in 1840.
- CaptainJoshua Slocum visited Juan Fernandez in 1896 during his lone voyage in the Spray.