Kaigani (trading site)

During this time Kaigani was one of the most popular sites for trading vessels on the Pacific Northwest coast.

Hundreds of trading vessels, mostly American, visited during this time, mostly seeking sea otter skins to take to China, where they commanded a high price.

[1][2] The term "Kaigani" was used by these traders for several harbors on the eastern side of southern Dall Island near Cape Muzon, in southeast Alaska, just north of Haida Gwaii across Dixon Entrance.

[6] Historically the term often included nearby places such as Datzkoo Harbor[7] and American Bay.

[1] During the maritime fur trade era there were several Haida chiefs holding power in the Kaigani area or mentioned by the traders, such as Cuneah (also spelled Cunnyha, Cunnea, Cunio), Cow (Kow, Keow), Altatsee (Altadsee, Eltatsy), Kilchart, Cotseye, Lemor (Lemmato), Douglass (Duglos, Douglas) (whose name derives from a historic name exchange with the British trader William Douglas), and others.