Cape Virgenes


Capes in the Americas

Cape Virgenes (Cabo Virgenes, Cape Virgins) is the southeastern tip of continental Argentina. Ferdinand Magellan reached it on 21 October 1520 and discovered a strait, now called the Strait of Magellan. As 21 October was the feast day of Saint Ursula and the Eleven Thousand Virgins, he named the cape in their honor.[1]

The Cape is located in Santa Cruz Province, Patagonia, Argentina. The Cape Virgenes Argentine Lighthouse has been operating since 1904. In 1884, gold was found there sparking the Tierra del Fuego Gold Rush.[2] Recently, rises in the number of southern right whales visiting the area have been confirmed.[3][4]

Coordinates: 52°20′S 68°21′W / 52.333°S 68.350°W

References

  1. ↑ Morison, Samuel (1974). The European Discovery of America: The Southern Voyages, 1492-1616. New York: Oxford University Press.
  2. ↑ Martinic Beros, Mateo. Crónica de las Tierras del Canal Beagle. 1973. Editorial Francisco de Aguirre S.A. Pp. 55-65
  3. ↑ The Fundación Cethus. 2014. Realizamos nuestra 5° campaña en Cabo Vírgenes, Santa Cruz. Retrieved on December 16. 2014
  4. ↑ The Fundación Cethus. 2011. Cuarta campaña para el estudio de la Ballena franca austral en Cabo Vírgenes. Retrieved on December 16. 2014