Magellan, Strait of

[ (muh-jel-uhn) ]

Strait separating South America from Tierra del Fuego and other islands south of the continent.

notes for Magellan, Strait of

Discovered by Ferdinand Magellan in 1520.

notes for Magellan, Strait of

It was an important route around South America in the days of sailing ships, especially before the Panama Canal was built.