South Bass Island

South Bass Island from the air, looking west, over Put-in-Bay.

Map of the Bass Islands.

South Bass Island is a small island in western Lake Erie, and a part of Ottawa County, Ohio, United States. It is the southernmost of the three Bass Islands and located 12 miles (19.3 km) from the south shore of Lake Erie. It is the third largest island in the Lake Erie Islands. The island is a popular recreation spot.

South Bass Island is approximately 3.7 miles (6.0 km) long and 1.5 miles (2.4 km) wide and comprises 1,588.3 acres (642.8 ha). The island is 3 miles (4.8 km) north of the nearest point on the mainland (Scott Point on Catawba Island) and approximately 10 miles (16 km) NNE of Port Clinton, Ohio, and 14 miles (23 km) NNW of Sandusky, Ohio. As of the 2000 census there were 631 residents on the island. The only incorporated community is the village of Put-in-Bay.

The village of Put-in-Bay is a popular tourist stop during the summer. The island is often referred to as the "Key West of Lake Erie". Put-in-Bay is served by ferry from nearby Port Clinton and Sandusky. Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial, including Perry's Monument, commemorating the Battle of Lake Erie is located on South Bass Island, near Put-In-Bay. The island is also the annual host of the Inter-Lake Yachting Association regatta, known as Bay Week.

In the bay of South Bass is Gibraltar Island, home to the Ohio State University's Stone Laboratory.

Transportation via car, bike, or walking to the island is provided by ferries from the Miller Boat Line (departing from the northern point of Catawba Island), and Jet Express (departing from Port Clinton, Ohio, Sandusky, Ohio, and Lorain, Ohio), and many more including various charter boat companies in the area. The island also has a small airport. Golf carts are a popular method of transportation on the island.

[edit] See also

[edit] Books

In the book Phantom Victory, one of the main characters, Terri, lives on South Bass Island. Also referred to in the book is the Victory hotel and its fire.

[edit] References

South Bass Island: Blocks 1024 thru 1067 and Block 1069, Census Tract 501, Ottawa County, Ohio United States Census Bureau

[edit] Gallery

The 352-foot Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial in Put-in-Bay village.
The Benson Ford, a lake freighter turned into a Put-in-Bay island landmark.
The Brig Niagara firing its cannons, off of Put-in-Bay