Green Island (Ohio) facts for kids
Green Island is a small island in Lake Erie, located in the state of Ohio in the United States. It's about 17 acres in size, which is like 17 football fields! The island is found about three miles southwest of a popular spot called Put-in-Bay. It's part of Put-in-Bay Township in Ottawa County.
Contents
Discovering Green Island's Past
Green Island has an interesting history, especially when it comes to its lighthouses.
How the Island Became Government Property
The United States Government officially bought Green Island in December 1851. This purchase was an important step for the island's future.
The Story of Green Island's Lighthouses
A few years after the government bought the island, a lighthouse was built there in 1855. Lighthouses are tall towers with bright lights that help ships navigate safely, especially at night or in bad weather.
The First Lighthouse and Its Keeper
The most well-known person who looked after the lighthouse was a man named Colonel Charles F. Drake. He lived on Green Island with his family. Sadly, the first lighthouse burned down on New Year's Eve in 1863.
Building a New Lighthouse
After the fire, a new, two-story lighthouse was quickly built on the island in 1864. This new lighthouse continued to guide ships for many years.
Modern Changes to the Lighthouse
The second lighthouse stayed active until 1939. At that time, the Coast Guard replaced it with a simpler, metal tower that had an automatic light on top. This new light didn't need a keeper living on the island.
Green Island Today: A Wildlife Haven
Today, Green Island is a special place for nature. It is now a wildlife refuge, which means it's a protected area for animals and plants. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources manages the island. Because it's a refuge, Green Island is no longer open to the public. This helps keep the wildlife safe and undisturbed.
