South American Missionary Society : Tierra del Fuego, 1898

Decades before the arrival of organized civil administration to Tierra del Fuego, various British individuals and religious societies became concerned for the welfare of America's southernmost native groups. A succession of Anglican mission stations was established in the archipelago lying to the south of the main island (see map), providing both spiritual and practical support to the Yahgan (Yámana) natives. The settlement at Tekenika Bay on Hoste Island, illustrated here, operated from 1892 to 1907. (More information: mission records from Tierra del Fuego , review of the missionary work in Southern Patagonia)

These images, and others on the site, are taken from a collection of sepia photographs in the archives of the South American Mission Society of Tunbridge Wells, England, whom we thank for authorizing their publication. (Other images: shelter, mission house, children, canoe)