Sunken Island (Otsego Lake) facts for kids
 Sunken Island
Location in New York Adirondack Park
Sunken Island
Location in the United States
Location of Sunken Island within New York
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Otsego Lake |
| Coordinates | 42°47′43″N 74°53′33″W / 42.79528°N 74.89250°W |
| Highest elevation | 1,191 ft (363 m) |
| Administration | |
 United States |
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| State |  New York |
| Region | Central New York Region |
| County | Otsego |
| Town | Springfield |
Sunken Island, also known as Hutters Island, is a special kind of island found in Otsego Lake in Otsego County, New York. Unlike most islands, Sunken Island is completely underwater! It sits several feet below the surface of the lake.
To keep boats safe, four special markers called buoys float above Sunken Island. These buoys warn boaters that there's something hidden just below the water. Long ago, a famous writer named James Fenimore Cooper wrote about this island, mentioning that a building once stood on it.
Contents
What is Sunken Island?
Sunken Island is not an island you can walk on today. It's a landmass that is now covered by the waters of Otsego Lake. It's like a secret underwater hill.
Why is it underwater?
Over time, the water level in the lake may have changed. Or, the land itself might have settled lower. This caused the island to become submerged.
Staying Safe on the Lake
Because the island is hidden, it could be dangerous for boats. If a boat hits the sunken land, it could get stuck or damaged. That's why the buoys are so important. They act like traffic cones for boats, showing where the underwater island is.
A Story from the Past
Sunken Island has a cool connection to history through a famous American writer.
James Fenimore Cooper's Writings
James Fenimore Cooper (1789–1851) was a well-known author. He wrote many adventure stories, often about the American frontier. Some of his most famous books include The Last of the Mohicans.
Cooper lived near Otsego Lake and often wrote about the area. In his stories and notes, he mentioned Sunken Island. He even wrote that there used to be a building on the island. This tells us that at one point, the island might have been above water, or at least had a structure built on it.
The Mystery of the Building
It's a bit of a mystery what kind of building was on the island. Was it a small house, a fishing shack, or something else? Cooper's writings give us a peek into the past of this unique underwater spot.
