Information About

Cape Smyth

Quick Facts

Open in The Map Cape Smyth on The Map

Location

71 ° 17' 35.002" N,
156 ° 47' 15" W

Region

North Slope

Nearest City

Utqiagvik

Elevation

10 ft (3.05 m)

Cape Smyth in Detail.

About

on Chukchi Sea coast, at Barrow and 10 mi. SW. of Point Barrow, Arctic Plain

History

The Eskimo name for this place is "Utkiakvik" and refers in meaning to a "high place for viewing." It was the same name as that of the village which wa s located on this high (30 ft.) ground. The present name of the cape was given i n September 1826, by Captain Beechey (1831, p. 302-303),RN, to honor William Smyth, Royal Navy (RN), Mate of His (Her) Majesty's Ship (HMS). Blossom, who with Thomas Elson and party in an open boat explored the coast NE of Icy Cape and discovered Point Barrow. In bestowing the name Beechey wrote "To the nearest conspicuous object to the southward of Point Barrow, I attach the name of Smyth * * *." See also Barrow.