Orchard Island, Ohio facts for kids
Orchard Island is an interesting community in Logan County, Ohio, United States. It's not officially a city or town, but it's a lively area where people live and tourists visit. You can only get to Orchard Island by road through Russells Point. However, many addresses on the island use a Lakeview ZIP Code (43331).
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Where is Orchard Island?
Orchard Island is part of a group of islands. These islands are found along the southeast side of Indian Lake. They are just north of a town called Russells Point. Orchard Island is the biggest island in this chain. Its neighbors include Wolfe, Fox, Willow Bank, and Crystal Beach.
The History of Orchard Island
Early Days and Chautauqua
Around the early 1900s, Orchard Island became a special place. Starting in 1910, it hosted events for the Chautauqua movement. This movement was all about learning and culture. Famous speakers, like William Jennings Bryan, and entertainers visited the island. During this time, the Orchard Island Improvement Company owned the island. They even had a hotel there! Later, the island was divided up and sold to different people.
2024 Tornado Impact
On March 14, 2024, Orchard Island was directly hit by a powerful tornado. This happened around 7:50 PM Eastern Standard Time. Other nearby communities, like Russells Point, were also affected. The tornado caused a lot of damage and many injuries. Weather experts later identified it as an EF-3 tornado, which means it was very strong.
What is the Economy Like?
Orchard Island is a popular spot for fun on the water. You'll find several marinas here, which are places where boats are kept. There are also many businesses for water activities. A big part of the island's economy comes from real estate. Many houses, cabins, and cottages are rented out to tourists. This is especially true during the busy summer season.
