Poverty Island facts for kids
 Poverty Island
Location in Michigan
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Lake Michigan |
| Coordinates | 45°31′39″N 86°39′52″W / 45.52750°N 86.66444°W |
| Highest elevation | 617 ft (188.1 m) |
| Administration | |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Delta County |
| Township | Fairbanks Township |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 2 |
Poverty Island is a small, quiet island in Lake Michigan, located in the state of Michigan, United States. It's part of Delta County. The island is known for its old, abandoned lighthouse, the Poverty Island Light Station, which needs repairs. The U.S. government currently owns Poverty Island.
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The Mystery of Le Griffon
Poverty Island is close to a famous mystery of the Great Lakes. In 2013, American and French archaeologists started looking at something underwater near the island. This object was first found in 2001.
What was Le Griffon?
Many people believe this underwater object could be the wreck of Le Griffon. This ship was very important because it was the first large European-style sailing ship on the upper Great Lakes. A French explorer named René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle built and commanded it in 1679.
The Ship's Disappearance
Le Griffon disappeared during its first trip back home in 1679. All six crew members and its cargo of furs were lost. No one knows exactly where or why the ship sank. The mystery of Le Griffon has continued for hundreds of years. Archaeologists are still working to find out if the object near Poverty Island is truly this historic ship.
Other Islands Nearby
Poverty Island is part of a chain of islands. These islands stretch from north to south in Lake Michigan.
