Lake Chaubunagungamaug Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg
Webster Lake
Rail causeway across lake
Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg Location in Massachusetts Show map of Massachusetts Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	Webster, Massachusetts
Coordinates	42°02′30″N 71°50′30″W / 42.04167°N 71.84167°W / 42.04167; -71.84167
Type	Lake
Basin countries	United States

Max. length	3.25 mi (5.23 km)
Max. width	1.125 mi (1.811 km)
Surface area	1,442 acres (584 ha)
Average depth	13 ft (4.0 m)
Max. depth	49 ft (15 m)
Shore length¹	17 mi (27 km)
Surface elevation	477 ft (145 m)

Islands	8
¹ Shore length is not a well-defined measure.

Lake Chaubunagungamaug, also known as Webster Lake, is a beautiful lake in the town of Webster, Massachusetts. It is located close to the border with Connecticut. This lake covers a large area of about 1,442 acres (2.253 sq mi). Since 1921, it has also been known by a much longer name. This name has 45 letters and fourteen syllables: Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg. The lake is famous for having the longest name of any natural place in the entire United States.

The Lake with the Longest Name
- What Does the Name Mean?
  - The Super Long Name's Story
Exploring Webster Lake
See also

The Lake with the Longest Name

This special lake has a very interesting history behind its names. While many people today call it "Webster Lake," its original name comes from the Nipmuc people. They were a Native American tribe who spoke an Algonquian language.

What Does the Name Mean?

The original name, Chaubunagungamaug, is often said to mean "Fishing Place at the Boundaries—Neutral Meeting Grounds." This suggests it was a spot where different groups could meet peacefully to fish. Another meaning, according to an expert named Ives Goddard, is "lake divided by islands." This makes a lot of sense when you see the lake!

The name "Webster Lake" is much easier to say. It comes from the town of Webster, where the lake is located. However, many local residents are proud to know and say the longer, traditional names.

The Super Long Name's Story

The really long name, "Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg," is famous. It is often called the longest place name in the United States. It is also one of the longest in the world!

A patch showing the lake's very long name.

There's a funny story about what this super long name means. People sometimes say it means: "You fish on your side, I'll fish on my side, and no one shall fish in the middle." This humorous translation was likely created by Laurence J. Daly, who was an editor for The Webster Times newspaper. Even if it's a joke, it helps people remember the lake's unique name! You can even find this long name on old postcards from around 1910.

A vintage postcard showing the beautiful lakeside.

The spelling of the long name can change a bit. Even the local Chamber of Commerce has discussed it! But a 45-letter version is still widely used, especially on signs and by the local schools.

Exploring Webster Lake

Webster Lake is a wonderful place to visit. It is the fourth largest freshwater body in Massachusetts. Only Long Pond, the Wachusett Reservoir, and the much larger Quabbin Reservoir are bigger.

Size and Features

The lake covers about 1,442-acre (5.84 km²) of water. Its shoreline stretches for about 17-mile (27 km). The lake is not super deep, with an average depth of 13 feet (4.0 m). However, its deepest point reaches 49 feet (15 m).

Even though the lake is natural, a small dam helps control its water level. This dam raises the water by about 2 feet (0.61 m). It was once used to power a mill.

The lake is naturally divided into three main sections. These are called North Pond, Middle Pond, and South Pond. Narrow channels connect these three parts, making it fun to explore by boat.

Discovering the Islands

Webster Lake has about 7 or 8 islands. Some of these islands are big enough for houses, while others are very small. Here are some of them:

Long Island: This is the biggest island on Webster Lake. Many homes are built here. It even has electricity and water services! You can find it in the Middle Pond.
Goat Island: This is the second largest island. It also has a few homes. It is in the Middle Pond, but a bit separate from the other islands.
Well Island: A smaller island with one house, located west of Long Island.
Strip Island: This island has one house and is generally northeast of Long Island.
Cobble Island: Located east of Long Island.
Little Island: Found in South Pond, it has one house.
Birch Island: A large island on the west side of Middle Pond. It has many homes and even a restaurant called Waterfront Mary's.
Misery Island: A small island near the east side of The Narrows. It might also be called Skunk Island on some maps.

Fun on the Water

If you love boating, Webster Lake has places to help you enjoy the water.

Lakeview Marine: This is the only full-service marine store on the lake. You can get boat repairs and supplies here.
Point Breeze: This spot has a restaurant and a small marina. It's the only place on the lake where you can get gas for your boat right at the dock!

Lake Chaubunagungamaug facts for kids

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