Catawba Island Township, Ohio facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Catawba Island Township, Ottawa County, Ohio
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Aerial view of Catawba Island from the west
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Location of Catawba Island Township in Ottawa County.
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| Country | United States |
| State | Ohio |
| County | Ottawa |
| Area | |
| • Total | 16.9 sq mi (43.8 km2) |
| • Land | 5.7 sq mi (14.8 km2) |
| • Water | 11.2 sq mi (29.1 km2) |
| Elevation | 581 ft (177 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 3,711 |
| • Density | 651.1/sq mi (250.7/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
43452
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| Area code(s) | 419 |
| FIPS code | 39-12588 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1086758 |
| Website | http://www.catawbaislandtownship.com/ |
Catawba Island Township is a special area in Ottawa County, Ohio. It is one of twelve townships in this county. A township is like a small local government area. In 2020, about 3,711 people lived here.
Catawba Island Township is located in the state of Ohio, in the United States. It sits right on the edge of Lake Erie.
Contents
What is Catawba Island Township?
Catawba Island Township is a part of Ottawa County, Ohio. It is a local government area. It helps manage things like roads and services for its residents.
Communities in Catawba Island
Catawba Island: A Lively Spot
The main community here is also called Catawba Island. It is not a separate town but an "unincorporated community." This means it's a recognized place without its own city government.
This community is in the northern part of the township. It's also at the very tip of the Catawba Island peninsula.
Ferry Adventures
A very important spot in Catawba Island is the ferry terminal. From here, you can catch the Miller Ferry. This ferry takes people, cars, and trucks to other islands in Lake Erie. You can visit Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass islands. It's a great way to explore the area!
Nature's Beauty: Catawba Island Nature Preserve
If you love nature, you'll enjoy the Catawba Island Nature Preserve. It's also located within this community. It's a wonderful place to see local plants and animals.
Geography of Catawba Island
Where is Catawba Island Located?
Catawba Island Township is in the northeastern part of Ottawa County, Ohio. It forms a point that sticks out into Lake Erie. This area is part of the larger Marblehead Peninsula.
Neighboring Areas
Catawba Island Township shares its borders with other areas:
- To the north, across Lake Erie, is Put-in-Bay Township.
- To the northeast, also across Lake Erie, is Kelleys Island.
- To the southeast, it borders Danbury Township.
- To the southwest, it borders Portage Township.
There are no big cities or towns located directly within Catawba Island Township.
Name and History of Catawba Island
Why is it Called Catawba Island?
Catawba Island Township is the only one of its name in Ohio. There are two ideas about how it got its name:
- One idea is that it was named after the Catawba grape. These grapes grew very well in the area.
- Another idea is that it was named after the Catawba tribe. This Native American tribe originally lived in the Ohio Valley. They later moved to the Carolinas. Some old newspapers even say that Rattlesnake Island was once home to the Catawba tribe.
From Island to Peninsula
Even though it's called "Catawba Island," it's actually a peninsula today. A peninsula is land surrounded by water on three sides.
Long, long ago, it was a true island. The Portage River used to flow into Lake Erie near West Harbor. This old river channel made Catawba a real island. Over time, the riverbed changed. Now, only a small ditch remains of that old channel.
Early History and Land Divisions
Before 1804, the British sometimes called this area "Cunningham's Island." Later, that name was briefly used for what we now call Kelleys Island. Kelleys Island was once known as Sandusky Island in the 1700s.
A big part of Catawba Island Township is within the Firelands region. This was the westernmost part of the Connecticut Western Reserve. It was originally part of Danbury Township.
Tourism and Fun in Catawba Island
A Popular Summer Spot
Catawba Island is a very popular place to visit in the summer. It's part of Ohio's "Vacationland" region. People come here to enjoy the beautiful Lake Erie.
Boating and Cottages
The shoreline here is long and protected. This makes it perfect for boats. You'll find many marinas where boats are docked. There are also lots of cottage communities. People rent or own these cottages for summer getaways.
Easy Access to Lake Erie Islands
From Catawba Island, it's easy to reach other islands in Lake Erie. These include the Bass Islands (like Put-in-Bay), Kelleys Island, and Pelee Island. The Miller Ferry, which carries cars and people, leaves from the tip of the peninsula. This makes island hopping simple and fun!
