Peril Straits, near Sitka, Alaska - 1886
The Peril Straits form a narrow water corridor between the Inside Passage and the town of Sitka, located on the west side of Baranof Island.
The current Frommer's Guide advises, "The ride through narrow Peril Straits into Sitka is definitely worth the trip. The shore seems close enough to touch." This was as true in the 1880s as it is now.
Some sources say that the straits got their name not because of the danger of the passage, though it can be challenging, but because of the perilous mussels found there that contain paralytic poison. In the 19th century, a group of over 100 Russian hunters died from eating the mussels.
Partridge captures the powerful beauty of the straits in this simple but striking photograph.
-- This photo is restored and printed by Old Oregon.
Photographer | William H. Partridge |
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Location | Alaska |
Decade | 1880s |
Print Maker | Old Oregon |
Original Type | Boudoir Card |
Size of Original | 4.2 x 7.3 inches |
Photographer's Number | Number 7985-E |