Sunset Island facts for kids
Sunset Island is a small, three-acre island located in Lake Champlain. You can find it just west of Greater Mallets Bay, near Colchester, Vermont, in the United States. This island is currently owned by private individuals, with Patricia McDonald being the main owner.
Contents
Exploring Sunset Island's Past
From Hogback to Sunset: The Island's Names
The island wasn't always called Sunset Island. It was first known as Hogback Island. This name was used for many years before it was changed to Sunset Island.
How a Lighthouse Shaped the Island's Story
From 1871 until 1933, Sunset Island played an important role for the Colchester Reef lighthouse. The person who took care of the lighthouse, called a caretaker, used the island for farming. They grew crops and raised animals here to help support themselves while working at the lighthouse.
In 1933, the Colchester Reef lighthouse was no longer needed. It was later moved to the Shelburne Museum in 1956. After the lighthouse was gone, Sunset Island was put up for auction.
New Owners and a New Purpose
In 1956, John McDonald and three other sportsmen bought Sunset Island. They mainly used the island for duck hunting. This means they would visit the island to hunt ducks, which was a popular activity at the time.
What You'll Find on Sunset Island Today
Sunset Island is mostly natural and undeveloped. There are no big buildings or modern facilities on the island. The only structure you'll find is a small, one-room cabin. This cabin was left over from the time when the lighthouse caretaker lived and worked there. Today, it's used to store tools and supplies needed to take care of the island's plants and land.
