Middle Island (Lake Erie) facts for kids
oblique view of Middle Island
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Map of Pelee Island and Middle Island
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 Middle Island
Location in Ontario
Middle Island
Location in Canada
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Lake Erie |
| Coordinates | 41°40′58″N 82°40′58″W / 41.68278°N 82.68278°W |
| Archipelago | Pelee Island Archipelago |
| Major islands | Pelee Island, East Sister Island and West Sister Island |
| Area | 18.5 ha (46 acres) |
| Highest elevation | 183 m (600 ft) |
| Administration | |
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Canada
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| Province | Ontario |
| County | Essex |
| Township | Pelee |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
Middle Island is a small island in Lake Erie. It is the most southern piece of land in all of Canada. The island is only about 18.5 hectares (46 acres) in size. It is located just south of Pelee Island and is part of Point Pelee National Park in Ontario.
The very southern tip of Middle Island is at 41°40'53" North. This is actually a bit further south than downtown Chicago. Many U.S. states and big cities like Rome in Europe are north of this point!
Contents
About Middle Island
Middle Island has no people living on it permanently. The whole island is a special area for nature. It is home to many birds, especially double-crested cormorants. In 2008, Parks Canada tried to manage the number of cormorants on the island.
Island History
A lighthouse was built on Middle Island in 1872. It helped guide ships but stopped being used by 1918. The stone base of this old lighthouse can still be seen today.
For many years, the island was owned by people from the United States. In 1999, the Nature Conservancy of Canada bought it. Then, on September 6, 2000, they gave it to the Canadian national park system.
Early Human Presence
Scientists have found signs that people lived on Middle Island a very long time ago. Studies from 1982 suggest humans were there between 1000 and 1500 A.D. Some evidence might even go back to 500 B.C. There are even claims that people have lived on the island for over 10,000 years!
A Path for Travelers
Middle Island is part of a group of islands in western Lake Erie. These islands create a natural path for birds and other animals that are migrating. Humans also used this path. In the 1800s, people escaping difficult situations in the U.S. traveled north through these islands. This included people seeking safety in Ontario.
Island Uses Over Time
In the late 1800s, parts of Middle Island were used to grow grapes. These grapes were used to make wine, just like on nearby Pelee Island.
The Prohibition Era
During a time called Prohibition in the United States, it was illegal to make or sell alcohol. Middle Island became a stop for people who were secretly bringing alcohol into the U.S. A person named Joe Roscoe built a large "clubhouse" on the island. This building became a center for this activity. The clubhouse had many rooms and even a hidden casino in its basement.
After Prohibition ended in 1933, the clubhouse became a popular hotel. It attracted many visitors who enjoyed its food and views of the lake.
Later Years
Before the 1950s, there was a small airstrip on the island. It was about 902-foot (275 m) long. Today, this old runway is covered with plants.
When the Nature Conservancy of Canada bought the island in 1999, it was mostly a natural area. It was visited by scientists and curious boaters. Even though it's part of Point Pelee National Park, Middle Island is not officially open for public visits.
Protecting Middle Island
People have been interested in protecting Middle Island for a long time. A study in 1982 suggested it should be named a national natural landmark. The island is important for its nature, history, and beauty. Because of this, it is listed as an Environmentally Sensitive Area. A group called Carolinian Canada Coalition also named Middle Island as a key site to protect southern Ontario's forests.
