I’m in the editing phase of Wood’s Gamble I was alerted by one of my BETA readers that I had misspelled Hawk Channel, Hawks Channel. Through some research he sent and an old map that I have it turns out both myself and NOAA are wrong. The correct, or at least the original spelling is Hawke.
The channel runs between the reef that runs parallel and about five miles offshore of the Florida Keys for their entire length. It is a deep passage, in the thirty- to forty-foot range, and easy to navigate. With the shallow reef acting as a buffer between the channel and the open Atlantic, it is often calmer than the offshore waters.
The Gulf Stream for traffic running north and east, and the waters just inshore of the current for vessels running south and west are the preferred routes for ocean-going ships. On any given day you can see where the edge of the Stream lies by watching the tankers and container ships.
Smaller vessels usually prefer the protection and safety of Hawk Channel. Mac Travis has made his living on the water for over thirty years. He knows what to look for and when something is out of place. In Wood’s Gamble, he sees a super yacht running too close to the reef. It is the first clue that something is wrong.
Following is the history:
Originaly named “Hawke” in 1772 by British surveyor John Gerard William De Brahm (1717-1796) is credited with christening this channel as such in 1772. Sadly, it remains unclear who or what he was commemorating in the process. Still, it seems possible to make several well-educated guesses regarding its origins. One possible explanation would be the presence of fish hawks along the waterway. However, it has been noted that one of the primary purposes of De Brahm’s survey appears to be the promotion of Hawk Channel as a safe and strategic artery for commerce. Given its importance to De Brahm, one might speculate that whoever is honored with this moniker (possibly Edward Hawke, First Lord of the Admiralty) was held in high regard.
From: Words on the Wilderness: A History of Place Names in South Florida’s National Parks by Larry Perez