Many travelers and residents alike know that Put-in-Bay, Ohio’s rich history is one of its grandest features. but not everyone knows about the original Put-in-Bay Settlers. For starters, it has a fascinating legacy of hotels and lodging, as well as famous. Additionally, the island played a significant role in the War of 1812, specifically the “Battle of Lake Erie”, and the famous Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial Monument stands as a testament to this fact and Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry alike.
Put-in-Bay, which is also known as South Bass Island, is a premier travel destination along the Lake Erie Islands. Visitors come from all over the globe to experience the island’s wonders. From the earliest Put-in-Bay Settlers to the current family and corporate groups. Tourists extend their stays over multiple days so they can explore all the riches that South Bass Island offers.
The War of 1812 marked a turning point in American – and Put-in-Bay – history. After the war, developers truly began to cultivate the island. But, many wonder…what about the years prior to 1812?
Indian Roots on Put-in-Bay
History suggests that the Erie Indians were among the first Native Americans to live in Ohio. As such, they were the first people to visit Put-in-Bay and the rest of the Lake Erie Islands. Scholars believe that the early Indians traveled north and south along the Warrior’s Path, which connected Lake Erie with the Ohio River. (This route is also known as the Sandusky-Scioto Trail and still exists today). The Indians would follow the trail from the south up towards Port Clinton. From there, they would paddle eastward along the shoreline toward Niagara Falls, or they would head west toward the Detroit River, island-hopping along the route. When unpleasant weather would arise, say, in the early spring or late fall, the Indians would find shelter on Put-in-Bay while they waited out the storm. During the winter, when the lake would freeze, many Indians would come to South Bass Island to hunt raccoons.
In the mid-1600s, the Iroquois Confederation defeated the Erie Indians, and they began to frequent the islands as well. By the 1700s, the Shawnee, Miami, Wyandot, Delaware, Ottawa, Seneca, and Tuscarora tribes all migrated to Ohio. Because of the various artifacts (arrowheads, axes, mounds, and skeletons) found on Put-in-Bay, it’s safe to claim that all these people groups visited South Bass before 1800. But, none of the Indians truly settled there.
Europeans Arrive on South Bass Island
In 1669, Louis Jolliet, a French fur trader, became the first non-Indian explorer to discover Lake Erie. A few years later, pioneer Robert de La Salle built a ship (the Griffon) and sailed along the lake with Louis Hennepin, a Franciscan missionary. Records indicate that Hennepin performed a Mass on Put-in-Bay, making him and La Salle the first Europeans to set foot on Put-in-Bay.
In 1685, the first British explorer made his way to Lake Erie. Johannes Rooseboom and a group of fellow traders made their way along the islands before skirmishes with the French and Indians forced them to halt their endeavors.
The Next Century: From Pudding Bay to Put-in-Bay
History isn’t clear as to what the next 100 years held on Put-in-Bay. We do know that in July 1789, an unknown group of European adventurers sailed along the Lake Erie Islands. During their journey, they made charts of the different islands, and they named one of them “Pudding Bay” because the harbor’s shape resembled a bag of pudding. Over time, the name evolved into its current “Put-in-Bay” moniker.
South Bass Island Receives an Owner
While the early 1700s largely remain a mystery for Put-in-Bay, we do know that the states of Virginia and Connecticut (which were British colonies at the time) had claimed certain territories further west. Were they the original Put-in-Bay Settlers? This area was known as the “Western Reserve,” and it included the Lake Erie Islands. After these states declared their independence from British rule during the American Revolution, they ceded ownership of the islands to the newly-formed federal government.
In 1807, the government created the Connecticut Land Company and sold Put-in-Bay (and other islands) to congressman and judge Pierpont Edwards, who also happened to be the son of renowned theologian Jonathan Edwards.
French Squatters and Some Development on Put-in-Bay
When Pierpont Edwards sent an agent, Seth Done, to Put-in-Bay to canvass the island, he couldn’t believe what he discovered: There were a few French families living on South Bass! How they arrived…when they arrived…and how long they had stayed there…no one knows. But, Done brought laborers to the island in 1811 and cleared over 100 acres of land, effectively forcing the families out and becoming Put-in-Bay Settlers.
That same year, he brought 400 sheep and 150 hogs to Put-in-Bay, where they fed on the bounty of acorns and hickory nuts. This attempt to truly settle the island failed, however, when the War of 1812 began the following year, and the British arrived and began destroying wheat and other resources.
Experience a Taste of History on South Bass Island
Put-in-Bay lodging boasts a remarkable history. We’re proud to promote its legacy of progress and hope. So, come stay with us at the Put-in-Bay hotels, Put-in-Bay cabins, Put-in-Bay Condos, and the Island Club and experience a taste of history on your Put-in-Bay Island getaway!
Downtown Put-in-Bay attractions include golf cart rentals, bars, and bay restaurants. DeRivera Park is located right in the middle of downtown as well. You can ask about upcoming events at the visitors center during your bay vacation. You can also check out the South Bass island State Park for Jet Ski rentals from local island musician Bob Gatewood!
Put-in-Bay Ferry
Put-in-Bay has two ferry services: The Jet Express and the Miller Ferry Line. The Miller Ferry comes out of Catawba and the Jet Express has two locations in Sandusky and Port Clinton. Both ferry’s are family friendly, and half the fun of going to the island is getting to travel across Lake Erie on one! Come Experience the awesome nightlife at bars like Mr. Ed’s. Get a rental home from Island Club Rentals, or get a vacation rental condo at the Waterfront Condos next to the Put-in-Bay Airport (It’s very quiet don’t worry). If the ride ever seems long, just think about how long it took for the original Put-in-Bay Settlers to get here!
Why is Put-in-Bay Such a Vacation Destination?
The reason Put-in-Bay is a vacation destination is simple: You can be headed to the island for some family fun on the same ferry as a bachelorette party group, and nothing would be weird about it at all. Put-in-Bay does an amazing job of catering perfectly to both sides of the spectrum. During huge Island events like the “Pyrate Fest” you can bring your kids to see awesome reenactments and hunt for buried treasure, or go as a group of friends and have a ton of fun getting wasted with pirates. The island is simply all about fun for everyone.