Did you know many years ago the native peoples of 1000 Islands called this region the ‘Garden of the Great Spirit’? It’s no surprise why. Carved by the St. Lawrence River, the 1000 Islands region is one of the most beautiful places in the country. The striking bay, slow-moving channels and picturesque islands make this region an incredible destination to explore. Let’s take a look at the rich history of a few of our favorite islands.
Calumet Island: Calumet Island is one of the most recognizable islands off the shore of Clayton. According to ThousandIslandsLife.com, tobacco tycoon Charles G. Emery built the very first castle of the 1000 Islands on Calumet back in the late 1800s. When Emery bought the island in 1882 he changed the name from Powder Horn Island to Calumet Island. His castle was completed in 1884 but was completely destroyed in 1911 from an accidental fire. Since then, Calumet Island has been home to a restaurant, bar, marina and is currently a summer retreat for the Rawson family.
Governor’s Island: The St. Lawrence River is the only natural outlet to the Great Lakes. This means that it is thriving with ecological resources where scientists and students can learn. ThousandIslandsLife.com says Governor’s Island was donated to SUNY-ESF (College of Environmental Science and Forestry) by James and Lorraine Lewis. The research done on Governor’s Island has been critical in learning about northern pike, muskellunge, smallmouth bass, walleye, lake sturgeon and more. Today’s research covers fisheries, wetlands, invasive species, water-level management, and restoration ecology.
Washington Island: 1000 Islands has world-class diving thanks to Washington Island. In 1876 St. Lawrence River Chart No. 6 listed a shipwreck off the lower bay of Washington Island. While the origin is unclear, it is said that the Schooner Elk missed the entrance of the lower bay and hit the head of Washington Island. To keep from sinking, Captain Willard Cook sailed to shallow water of only 10 feet where the Schooner Elk eventually sank to the bottom. To learn more about Washington Island’s Wreck, visit the following link.
