Gallipolis Island facts for kids
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Ohio River, West Virginia |
| Coordinates | 38°48′50″N 82°11′32″W / 38.8139697°N 82.1920909°W |
| Administration | |
Gallipolis Island is a small island located in the Ohio River. It sits near the city of Gallipolis, Ohio, and across from Mason County, West Virginia, in the USA.
Even though the island is within West Virginia's borders, it used to belong to Gallipolis, Ohio. In 2016, the city and a private owner gave their parts of the island to the West Virginia Land Trust.
About Gallipolis Island
Gallipolis Island is a special place that helps protect nature. The West Virginia Land Trust works to keep the island safe. They protect important homes for fish, mussels, and birds. It is also a place where people can enjoy nature.
Protecting the Island
The West Virginia Land Trust plans to fix the island's riverbanks. This will stop the island from getting smaller due to erosion. The island was once over 85 acres, but it has shrunk to just a few acres. This project will help save the island's land.
After about 10 years of restoration work, the island will join the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is a group of 22 protected islands. They stretch along 362 miles of the Ohio River. This means Gallipolis Island will be protected for a long time.
Island History
In 1770, early French settlers found wild grapes on Gallipolis Island. These grapes were used to make local wine. This wine might have been one of the first products sold from the town. Other goods were also produced there.
By the 1840s, the island became a fun resort. It had a beach, a picnic area, and a playground. Later, in the 1860s, steamboats were built on the island. This shows how important the island was for both fun and work.
You can learn more about Gallipolis Island by reading an article from the West Virginia Land Trust.
See also
