Buckley Island facts for kids
Aerial view of Buckley Island
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Ohio River, West Virginia |
| Coordinates | 39°23′52″N 81°25′18″W / 39.3978522°N 81.4217868°W |
| Area | 160 acres (65 ha) |
| Length | 2.6 mi (4.2 km) |
| Width | 1/8 mi (0 km) |
| Administration | |
Buckley Island is a cool island located in the Ohio River. You can find it in Wood County, West Virginia. This island sits right between the towns of Marietta, Ohio, and Williamstown, West Virginia. The Interstate 77 bridge even crosses over the western part of the island!
Over the years, Buckley Island has had a few different names. People have also called it Kerrs Island, Duvall Island, and Meigs Island. Today, Buckley Island is a special place. It's part of the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge. This means it's a protected area for nature and animals. To visit the island, you'll need to go by boat, as there are no roads leading directly to it.
Island History
The very first time we know about Buckley Island being written down was in 1770. George Washington mentioned it in his journal. He was exploring and mapping the area back then.
Early Settlers and Changes
Many early settlers who came to the island faced challenges. The island changed owners many times throughout the 1700s and 1800s.
From Park to Refuge
In 1897, a company called Buckeye and Eureka Pipeline Company bought the island. They decided to turn it into an amusement park! But in 1907, a big flood washed away much of the park.
The Buckley family then bought the island in 1911. It stayed in their family for many years. Finally, in 1998, the island was sold to the Fish and Wildlife Service for $400,000. This is why it's now part of the National Wildlife Refuge, helping to protect nature.
Rivers Nearby
Buckley Island is surrounded by important rivers. The Muskingum River flows into the Ohio River just below Buckley Island. The Little Muskingum River joins the Ohio River just above the island.
