| San Miguel Island |
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Information AboutSan Miguel Island |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT SAN MIGUEL ISLAND | |
| channel islands of california | |
| santa barbara county, california | |
| SHOPPER'S DELIGHT | |
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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 island receives 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 that is not found on the southern islands. 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 Pinniped s. The San Miguel subspecies of Island Fox may be extinct. > |