Mouse Island (Ohio) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mouse Island
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Private Island
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Mouse Island is a small, seven-acre private island located in Lake Erie. You can find it off the northern tip of Catawba Point in Ottawa County, Ohio, United States. It's quite close to the city of Sandusky. This island is part of Catawba Island Township.
Contents
Discover Mouse Island's History
Mouse Island wasn't always called Mouse Island! Long ago, in the early 1800s, maps showed it as "Ship Island." It got its current name, Mouse Island, because of its small size, much like a tiny mouse.
Who Owned Mouse Island?
A famous American president, Rutherford B. Hayes, once owned Mouse Island. He was the 19th President of the United States, serving from 1877 to 1881. His family used the island as a getaway.
What Was on the Island?
When the Hayes family owned it, they built two small cabins on Mouse Island. They also had a hand ferry to get to the shore and even a tennis court for fun! The island had running water, which was a big deal back then.
The Island's Later Years
By the 1930s, the island was no longer used much. Over time, fires and neglect destroyed the buildings and other things the Hayes family had built. The Hayes family kept ownership of the island until 1966, as none of the former president's grandchildren still lived in the area.
What Remains Today?
Even today, you can still find parts of the old structures on the island. For example, you might see the stone chimneys from the summer cabins. You can also find parts of the original foundations. These are like clues from the past, showing where the buildings once stood.
Visiting Mouse Island
Mouse Island is a private island, which means it is owned by individuals and is not open for public visits. This helps protect the island and its natural features.
Safety Around the Island
If you are out on Lake Erie in a boat, it's important to know about a special area near Mouse Island. There is a limestone reef between the island and the shoreline. This reef is shallow and can be dangerous for boats that need more than three feet of water to float safely. So, boats need to be careful when navigating near the island.
