Editing Kelleys Island, Ohio

{{distinguish|text=[[Kellys Island (Newfoundland and Labrador)|Kellys Island]] in Newfoundland and Labrador}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
| official_name      = Kelleys Island, Ohio
| settlement_type    = [[Village (United States)|Village]]
| nickname           = Kelleys
| motto              = <!-- Images -->
| image_skyline      = Lake-erie-kelleys-island.jpg
| imagesize          = 300px
| image_caption      = [[Aerial photography|Aerial photo]] of Kelleys Island, looking west
| image_flag         = 
| image_seal         = <!-- Maps -->
| image_map          = OHMap-doton-Kelleys Island.png
| mapsize            = 250px
| map_caption        = Location of Kelleys Island, Ohio
| image_map1         = Kelleys Island Erie.PNG
| mapsize1           = 250px
| map_caption1       = Location of Kelleys Island in Erie County

<!-- Location -->| subdivision_type   = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name   = United States
| subdivision_type1  = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Ohio]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of counties in Ohio|County]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Erie County, Ohio|Erie]]

<!-- Government -->
| government_footnotes = 
| government_type     = 
| leader_title        = [[Mayor]]
| leader_name         = Ronald E. Ehrbar{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}
| leader_title1       = 
| leader_name1        = 
| established_title   = 
| established_date    = <!-- Area -->
| unit_pref           = Imperial
| area_footnotes      = <ref name="TigerWebMapServer">{{cite web|title=ArcGIS REST Services Directory|url=https://tigerweb.geo.census.gov/arcgis/rest/services/TIGERweb/Places_CouSub_ConCity_SubMCD/MapServer|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=September 20, 2022|archive-date=January 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119173812/https://tigerweb.geo.census.gov/arcgis/rest/services/TIGERweb/Places_CouSub_ConCity_SubMCD/MapServer|url-status=live}}</ref>
| area_magnitude      = 
| area_total_km2      = 11.41
| area_land_km2       = 11.26
| area_water_km2      = 0.15
| area_total_sq_mi    = 4.41
| area_land_sq_mi     = 4.35
| area_water_sq_mi    = 0.06

<!-- Population -->| population_as_of    = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
| population_est      = 
| pop_est_as_of       = 
| population_footnotes = 
| population_total   = 256
| population_density_km2 = 22.73
| population_density_sq_mi = 58.88

| timezone            = [[North American Eastern Time Zone|Eastern (EST)]]
| utc_offset          = -5
| timezone_DST        = EDT
| utc_offset_DST      = -4
| elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
| elevation_ft        = 614
| coordinates         = {{coord|41|36|12|N|82|42|10|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}}
| postal_code_type    = [[ZIP code]]
| postal_code         = 43438
| area_code           = [[Area code 419|419]]
| blank_name          = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| blank_info          = 39-39662<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website|archive-date=December 27, 1996|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961227012639/https://www.census.gov/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| blank1_name         = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info         = 1086065<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|1086065}}</ref>
| website             = [https://kelleysisland.us/ kelleysisland.us]
| footnotes           = 
}}
{{Infobox NRHP
| name         = Kelleys Island South Shore District<br />Kelleys Island Historic District
| nrhp_type    = hd
| nocat        = yes
| image        = File:KI Town Hall (Infobox crop).jpg
| caption      = Kelleys Island Village Hall
| location     = Water St. on the southern side of Kelleys Island (original)<br />Entire island (increase)
| coordinates  = {{coord|41|35|41|N|82|42|35|W|display=inline}}
| architecture = Italianate, Queen Anne, Gothic Revival
| added        = March 27, 1975 (original)<br />December 15, 1988
| area         = {{convert|23|acre}} (original)<br />{{convert|2888|acre}}
| refnum       = 75001380 (original); 88002734 (increase)<ref name=nris>{{NRISref|2009a}}</ref>
}}

'''Kelleys Island''' is both a [[village (United States)#Ohio|village]] in [[Erie County, Ohio]], and the [[island]] which it fully occupies in [[Lake Erie]]. The island has a total area of {{convert|4.41|sqmi|sqkm|2}} and was formed by [[Glacier|glacial action]] on [[limestone]] and [[Dolomite (rock)|dolomite]].

As of the 2020 census it has a year-round population of under 300 and is primarily a vacation destination with a large seasonal influx of visitors and workers.

==History==
Kelleys Island was previously occupied by [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Native Americans]] of the area. During the beginning of the [[War of 1812]], the island was used as a military rendezvous post, first by the British and later by the [[US Military|U.S. Military]]. The British originally called it '''Sandusky Island'''. Later the United States took it over and officially designated it as Island Number 6 and Cunningham Island. During the early 19th century, the island was mostly uninhabited. 
It was renamed as Kelleys Island in 1840 by brothers Datus and Irad Kelley, who had purchased nearly the entire island.

After the Kelley brothers purchased the land, there was commercial development through extraction of the island's [[limestone]] and [[lumber]] resources, and the population began to grow with workers and families. There was also growing of grapes as a commodity crop. As of the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]], the island's population was 312.

Today, Kelleys Island is primarily a vacation destination, and is visited by thousands of people each summer. Notable attractions include its various beaches, parks, and campgrounds. Several [[ferry|ferries]] provide regular transport to the mainland for most travelers; the island also features a number of [[marina]]s, as well as a small [[airfield]] for private planes. It is the largest of the American [[Lake Erie Islands]], and is a part of the [[Sandusky, Ohio]] [[Sandusky metropolitan area|Metropolitan Statistical Area]].

===Native Americans and Inscription Rock===
Kelleys Island is a [[Devonian]] limestone and dolomite ridge carved during the [[Pleistocene]] era.<ref name="Munro-StasiukOthers2005a"/> The first known occupants of Kelleys Island were [[Algonquian peoples|Algonquian]] and [[Iroquoian peoples|Iroquoian]], possibly including [[Erie Indians|Erie]], who travelled through the area to fish and at times lived in the area until 1656.<ref name="ir">Kelleys Island Historical Society page for [http://www.kelleysislandhistorical.org/island_places/inscription_rock.htm Inscription Rock] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724034851/http://www.kelleysislandhistorical.org/island_places/inscription_rock.htm |date=July 24, 2008 }}.</ref>

On the south shore of the island (near what is now the downtown-village area), there is a large limestone rock featuring [[petroglyph]]s carved over a number of years by these and earlier indigenous inhabitants;<ref name="kichamber">Kelleys Island Chamber of Commerce page: "[https://www.kelleysislandchamber.com/island-history/] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830112020/https://www.kelleysislandchamber.com/island-history/|date=August 30, 2023}}".</ref><ref name="ir" /> it was later named '[[Inscription Rock (Kelleys Island, Ohio)|Inscription Rock]]' by scholars in the mid-19th century. The Kelleys Island Historical Association relies on the [[Henry Rowe Schoolcraft]] investigations, which dated the carvings to roughly 1643. He theorized that the rock was used by members of "seasonal" Native American tribes, to impart information to one another about how the hunting had been in the area, and where their group would next be traveling.<ref name="ir" />

Many different items and scenes are cut into the large flat top side of the rock, which measures {{convert|32|ft|m}} by 21 feet (10 by 6 m). Over time, most of the inscriptions on this rock have been eroded away. The indigenous peoples who are thought to have inscribed these images are said to have been annihilated about 1665 by [[Iroquois]] nations from the New York area, who were trying to conquer territory to control the fur trade.<ref name="kichamber" />

===Early European settlers===
This island is called "Sandusky Island" on maps produced in the latter half of the 18th-century.<ref>''A Survey of the South Shore of Lake Erie commencing at the Narrows at Fort Erie, and ending at the entrance of Detroit River taken in 1789'' by Hy. Ford Naval Offr. Pk. McNiff Asst. Surv. by Order of His Excellency The Rt. Hon'ble. Lord Dorchester Governor</ref> (Prior to U.S. occupation of this area, the name "Cunningham's Island" seems to have been applied to present-day "Catawba Island", which was then also a true island.)<ref>A short topographical description of His Majesty's province of Upper Canada in North America to which is annexed a provincial gazetteer, by Sir David Wm. Smyth, publ 1799</ref> In the late 1790s the [[Connecticut Land Company]] surveyed the south east shore of Lake Erie.<ref name="touringohio">Touring Ohio page: "[http://www.touring-ohio.com/northwest/sandusky/kelleys-island.html Kelleys Island] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080922012604/http://www.touring-ohio.com/northwest/sandusky/kelleys-island.html |date=September 22, 2008 }}".</ref> A more thorough survey was completed in 1806, when this island was officially designated as "Island Number 6".<ref>Fire Lands Pioneer, series; publ.1858 by Firelands Historical Society</ref> Later the name "Cunningham's Island" was used to refer to this island.

There is a legend that the first European American resident of this island was a man named "Cunningham" (supposedly a "Frenchman" or French-speaking Canadian).<ref name="library" /><ref name="lei">''Lake Erie Islands: Sketches & Stories of the First Century After the Battle of Lake Erie'' by Michael Gora - [https://books.google.com/books?id=su_RlvkxoscC&dq=kelleys+island+cunningham&pg=PA108 pages 108 - 125] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830112030/https://books.google.com/books?id=su_RlvkxoscC&dq=kelleys+island+cunningham&pg=PA108 |date=August 30, 2023 }}.</ref> He was said to have traveled to the island in 1803 with the intention of making his home there, at a time when it was still inhabited by Native Americans.<ref name="lei" /> For a while, Cunningham enjoyed friendly relationship with the native people: he built a [[log cabin]] near their village, socialized with their hunters, and traded goods with them on a regular basis.<ref name="lei" /> But (as the legend goes) Cunningham had a disagreement with the Native Americans, and a group tore down his home, stole all his possessions, and attempted to kill him.<ref name="lei" /> He escaped to the Ohio Peninsula via [[canoe]], but died shortly afterward from his wounds.<ref name="lei" /> For many years after his death, the island was known as Cunningham Island.<ref name="lei" /> [ However, the legend of Mr. Cunningham might instead apply to present-day Catawba Island, which seems to have been formerly named "Cunningham's Island" by the British, prior to 1804.<ref>''The American Gazetteer'', by Jedidiah Morse - 1804</ref>) (*-Also note that the surname 'Cunningham' is not typically of French origin, but is recorded as of Scottish origin.)] Prior to the [[War of 1812]], several other white adventurers are documented as trying to settle this island, but all of them were eventually being driven away, either by the native people,<ref name="lei" /> or by the incoming U.S. pioneers and land-owners. By the time the war had ended, the few remaining Native Americans had finally also vacated the island.

During the [[War of 1812]], the west shore of Cunningham Island was developed as a military rendezvous post by US General [[William Henry Harrison]].<ref name="lei" /> In 1818, a man named Killam briefly attempted to start a logging company, but abandoned the island after the large steam-powered boat he used to transport wood to the mainland wrecked and sank.<ref name="lei" /> Around 1826, people slowly began settling on the island; by 1830, six families made up its entire population.<ref name="lei" />

About the year 1833, Ben Napier, a Scottish-American veteran of the War of 1812,<ref name=Krejci>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xV9qEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA24 |title=Lost Put-in-Bay |first=William G. |last=Krejci |date=2022 |pages=24–25 |publisher=The History Press |location=Charleston, South Carolina |isbn=978-146714740-8 |access-date=November 23, 2024}}</ref> claimed ownership of this "Cunningham Island" (and also nearby [[Put-in-Bay, Ohio|Put-in-Bay]]), through [[squatters rights]].<ref name="archive">Archive.org article: "[https://archive.org/stream/sketchesstorieso00thor/sketchesstorieso00thor_djvu.txt Full text of "Sketches and stories of the Lake Erie islands" ]", Internet Archive.</ref><ref>William Henry Van Benschoten, ''Concerning the Van Bunschoten Or Van Benschoten Family in America'' by - [https://books.google.com/books?id=j6ZYAAAAMAAJ&dq=benjamin+napier+put+in+bay&pg=PA266 page 266] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830112055/https://books.google.com/books?id=j6ZYAAAAMAAJ&dq=benjamin+napier+put+in+bay&pg=PA266 |date=August 30, 2023 }}.</ref> Napier and his associates often bullied the incoming pioneer settlers, sometimes hijacking their cabins and stealing or killing their livestock.<ref name="lei" /><ref name="pd">''[[The Plain Dealer]]'' article: [http://files.usgwarchives.org/oh/erie/history/kellys-island/1925.txt "The outlaw of Kelleys Island] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219002815/http://files.usgwarchives.org/oh/erie/history/kellys-island/1925.txt |date=February 19, 2012 }}".</ref> Napier was eventually legally ousted after the court system ruled that he had no ownership rights.<ref name="lei" /> In April 1842, he was sentenced to five years in the penitentiary for making false claims of ownership while under oath. Napier was the father of both Nelson Napier, captain of the [[PS Alpena|PS ''Alpena'']] when she sank with no survivors in October 1880, and [[Joseph Napier (USCG)|Joseph Napier]], a Life-Saving Service station keeper.<ref name=Krejci/><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9aOSEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA5 |title=Historic Shipwrecks and Rescues on Lake Michigan |first=Michael |last=Passwater |date=October 3, 2022 |page=5 |publisher=The History Press |location=Charleston, South Carolina |isbn=978-146715196-2 |access-date=November 23, 2024}}</ref>

===Acquisition by the Kelleys===
In 1830, John Clemons and his brother began mining the island's limestone, and opened its first [[quarry]].<ref name="limestone">[https://web.archive.org/web/20100621204853/http://ohioseagrant.osu.edu/_documents/publications/TB/TB-035%20The%20Steamer%20Adventure%20and%20the%20Kelleys%20Island%20Ohio%20Limestone%20Industry.pdf ''THE STEAMER ADVENTURE and the KELLEYS ISLAND, OHIO LIMESTONE INDUSTRY''], Ohio Sea Grant, Ohio States University.</ref> They built a dock on the north side in order to ship the rock to the American mainland.<ref name="rbh">The [[Rutherford B. Hayes]] Presidential Center article: "[http://www.rbhayes.org/hayes/manunews/paper_trail_display.asp?nid=97&subj=manunews Paper Trail - No. 9 SEPTEMBER 2004 - QUARRYING ON KELLEYS ISLAND] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616103807/http://www.rbhayes.org/hayes/manunews/paper_trail_display.asp?nid=97&subj=manunews |date=16 June 2011 }}".</ref> Shortly afterward, brothers Datus and Irad Kelley became aware of the island's potential worth, and slowly began purchasing its land in parcels.<ref name="rbh" />

Datus and Irad Kelley were born in [[Middlefield, Connecticut]], on April 24, 1788, and October 24, 1791, respectively.<ref name="irad">Kelleys Island Historical Society article: "[http://www.kelleysislandhistorical.org/island_people/irad_kelley.htm Irad Kelley] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080518083659/http://www.kelleysislandhistorical.org/island_people/irad_kelley.htm |date=2008-05-18 }}".</ref><ref name="datus">Kelleys Island Historical Society article: "[http://www.kelleysislandhistorical.org/island_people/datus_kelley.htm Datus Kelley] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509142352/http://www.kelleysislandhistorical.org/island_people/datus_kelley.htm |date=2008-05-09 }}".</ref> Datus moved to [[Rocky River, Ohio]], in 1811, working as a [[Surveying|surveyor]] and sawmill owner.<ref name="datus" /> Irad moved to [[Cleveland, Ohio]], in 1812, eventually becoming a successful merchant, [[postmaster]], [[sailor]], and real-estate investor.<ref name="irad" /> Irad Kelley first became aware of the island after being forced to seek shelter there while transporting goods via [[sloop]] [[sailboat]] from [[Detroit]] to his shop in Cleveland.<ref name="touringohio" /><ref name="ohhistory">''Ohio: A History'' [https://books.google.com/books?id=360ZKtHJ-qoC&dq=irad+kelley+shelter&pg=PA79 page 79] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830112028/https://books.google.com/books?id=360ZKtHJ-qoC&dq=irad+kelley+shelter&pg=PA79 |date=August 30, 2023 }} at [[Google Books]].</ref> On August 20, 1833, the two began purchasing parcels of land on Cunningham Island at the rate of $1.50 per acre.<ref name="irad" /> They eventually owned the entire {{convert|3000|acre|km2|adj=on}} island, and in 1840 changed its name to Kelleys Island.<ref name="library">Lakewood, Ohio Public Library page: "[http://www.lkwdpl.org/history/7biographyK-L.htm Local History Files: 7: Biography K-L] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080829192640/http://www.lkwdpl.org/history/7biographyK-L.htm |date=2008-08-29 }}".</ref><ref name="irad" /> By this time, the population had risen to 68 people.<ref name="lei" />
[[File:Kelleys Island Estes Schoolhouse.jpg|thumb|The Estes Schoolhouse on Kelleys Island]]

The brothers quickly began improving and expanding the island's docks to export limestone, fruit, and [[Juniperus virginiana|red cedar]] lumber.<ref name="lei" /> Soon, 16 limestone [[kiln]]s were producing [[lime (mineral)|lime]]. The village's various industries hired a number of immigrants (including young children), many of whom would work on the island during the summer and return to their homeland during the winter.<ref name="lei" /> Among the nationalities working on the island at that time were Irish, [[Polish people|Poles]], [[Slav]]s, [[Macedonians (ethnic group)|Macedonians]], [[Hungarians]], [[Bulgarians]], [[Italians]], and [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]].<ref name="lei" /> Datus Kelley encouraged [[sobriety]], and paid his employees bonuses for abstaining from "intoxifying [[liquor]]s".<ref name="lei" />

The quarries were the origin of the [[Kelley Island Lime & Transport Company]], which was once the largest producer of limestone and lime products in the world, operating between 1896 and the early 1960s. Numerous ruins of these operations and quarries now dot the island.

In 1842, Charles Carpenter (son-in-law of Datus Kelley) of [[Norwich, Connecticut]], began growing and harvesting [[grape]]s for [[wine]] on Kelleys Island. By the early 20th century, the island was annually producing 500,000 gallons of wine per year.<ref name="lei" />

The small village grew quickly, and soon a [[library]] and [[post office]] were erected. In 1901, the Estes [[School]]house was built at a cost of $15,000.<ref name="lei" />

===Recent history and modern day===
Kelleys Island is heavily forested except for several [[residential]] areas, some for year-round residents, others for summer vacationers. Some small farms and a small limestone quarry still operate on the island. Each summer since 1974 (typically in August), the island hosts a weekend-long [[homecoming]] festival, which includes a theme [[parade]] featuring both locals and vacationers, a [[picnic]], and a number of food and craft booths.<ref name="pch">''Port Clinton Herald'' article: "[http://www.portclintonnewsherald.com/article/20100716/NEWS01/7160309 Sports take spotlight at Kelleys Island homecoming]{{Dead link|date=August 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}."</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=News Briefs: Kelleys Island Homecoming set for weekend |url=https://www.thenews-messenger.com/story/news/2019/08/05/news-briefs-kelleys-island-homecoming-set-weekend/1920074001/ |access-date=August 30, 2023 |website=The News-Messenger |language=en-US}}</ref>
[[File:Alvar4.jpg|thumb|right|upright|[[Alvar]] habitat on Kelleys Island. [[South Bass Island]] visible in distance.]]

Kelleys Island has a [[cemetery]] located on Division Street, about a mile north from the center of downtown.<ref name="cemetery">USGenWeb Archives Special Projects: [http://files.usgwarchives.net/oh/erie/cemetery/kelleys.txt Kelleys Island cemetery information].</ref> Although the cemetery is relatively small, several hundred people are buried or have memorial headstones there.<ref name="cemetery" /> Burials include that of Datus Kelley.<ref>Kelleys Island Historical Society page for [http://www.kelleysislandhistorical.org/island_people/datus_kelley.htm Datus Kelley] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509142352/http://www.kelleysislandhistorical.org/island_people/datus_kelley.htm |date=May 9, 2008 }}.</ref>

In 1975, {{convert|23|acre}} on the island's southern shore were designated as a [[historic district (United States)|historic district]], the Kelleys Island South Shore District, and added to the [[National Register of Historic Places]]. In 1988, the district was renamed to the Kelleys Island Historic District and expanded to include the entire island.<ref name=nris />{{cref|a}}

Kelleys Island is one of 20 members of the Great Lakes Islands Alliance, which includes islands in the US and Canada. Other member islands include nearby [[Middle Bass Island|Middle Bass]], [[South Bass Island|South Bass]], and [[Pelee Island|Pelee]] as well as Lake Michigan's [[Beaver Island (Lake Michigan)|Beaver]] and [[Washington Island (Wisconsin)|Washington]] Islands, Lake Ontario's [[Amherst Island|Amherst]], [[Howe Island|Howe]], [[Simcoe Island|Simcoe]], and [[Wolfe Island (Ontario)|Wolfe]] Islands, Lake Huron's [[Bois Blanc Island (Michigan)|Bois Blanc]], [[Drummond Island|Drummond]], [[Les Cheneaux Islands|Les Cheneaux]], [[Mackinac Island|Mackinac]], [[Manitoulin Island|Manitoulin]], [[Neebish Island|Neebish]], [[St. Joseph Island (Ontario)|St. Joseph]], and [[Sugar Island (Michigan)|Sugar]] Islands, Lake Superior's [[Madeline Island]], and Lake St. Clair's [[Harsens Island]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Great Lakes Islands Alliance |url=https://glialliance.org/ |access-date=August 30, 2023 |website=Great Lakes Islands Alliance |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Tourism==
Kelleys Island is primarily a vacation destination. It is one of only 17 islands in the Great Lakes that has a year-round population.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 26, 2017 |title=KBJR: Island living poses unique challenges, Great Lakes Islands Initiative sets to create solutions |url=https://www.northland.edu/news/kbjr-island-living-poses-unique-challenges-great-lakes-islands-initiative-sets-create-solutions/ |access-date=August 30, 2023 |website=Northland College |language=en-US}}</ref>[[File:Glacial Grooves State Park, Kelleys Island OH.jpg|thumb|Glacial Grooves State Park, Kelleys Island. These glacial grooves were carved during the [[Pleistocene]] (the last Ice Age).]]

===Beaches and wildlife===
Kelleys Island features a number of public [[beaches]]. Many areas allow [[Human swimming|swimming]], [[boating]], and [[fishing]].

In August 2010, a report from [[The Nature Conservancy]] in conjunction with the [[US Fish and Wildlife Service]] U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and several other [[non-profit]] agencies listed Kelleys as the 7th most ecologically threatened island in the Great Lakes.<ref name="pdthreat">''[[The Plain Dealer]]'' article: "[http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2010/08/kelleys_island_ranked_as_among.html Kelleys Island ranked among most ecologically threatened Great Lakes island ecosystems] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100825163956/http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2010/08/kelleys_island_ranked_as_among.html |date=August 25, 2010 }}."</ref><ref name="bladethreat">''[[Toledo Blade]]'' article: "[http://toledoblade.com/article/20100830/NEWS16/8290341 Report: Region's islands precious but threatened] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101110022959/http://toledoblade.com/article/20100830/NEWS16/8290341 |date=November 10, 2010 }}."</ref><ref name="conserve">ConserveOnline page: "{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20100901035726/http://conserveonline.org/library/islands-of-life-a-biodiversity-and-conservation/view.html Islands of Life: A Biodiversity and Conservation Atlas of the Great Lakes Islands]}}".</ref> The reasons given for the island's poor ecological health included "development, tourism and recreation, marinas and resorts, increased roads and buildings, incompatible agricultural practices and invasive species."<ref name="pdthreat" /><ref name="conserve" />

===Businesses===
The most common types of establishments on Kelleys Island are [[Bar (establishment)|pubs]] and [[restaurant]]s, almost all of which have a summer season from May into September. <!-- Tell when they operate not when they're closed -->The island also features a [[Coffeehouse|coffee shop]], [[miniature golf|miniature golf course]], several small [[general store|general]]/[[convenience store]]s, and a large number of [[gift shop]]s. No [[liquor]] is sold on the island outside of bars or restaurants, but several shops do sell beer and wine.

The island is also home to The Kelley's Island Wine Company, established in 1872 and at one time one of the nation's largest wineries. It stopped operation after two major fires eventually destroyed its facility during the [[Prohibition era]]. The 'ruins' of portions of the late-19th-century winery are still standing on the island. In 1982 the Zettler family re-established The Kelley's Island Wine at the site of one of the oldest stone cottages on the island, known as the Nicholas Smith house (built c. 1865).

===Camps===
[[File:Erie County 4-H Camp.jpg|thumb|The Erie County 4-H camp.]]
Kelleys Island State Park contains a large campground.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kelleys Island State Park |url=https://parks.ohiodnr.gov/kelleysisland |website=parks.ohiodnr.gov |access-date=June 17, 2019}}</ref>

Camp Patmos, a Christian youth camp, is located on the northeast side of the island. Camp Patmos was purchased in 1952 from Nativity B.V.M. Parish of Cleveland as the site of a faith-based summer camp for youth.<ref>''Kelleys Island Historical Association Home Tour Guidebook''</ref>

The Erie County [[4H Club|4H Camp]] is located on the north side of the island.

==Transportation==
===Ferries===
The first ferry to regularly serve the island was the Neuman Ferry, founded in 1907 by John Paul Neuman.<ref name="neumanhist">Neuman Ferry website: "[http://neuman.professional-tech.net/history.html History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724020842/http://neuman.professional-tech.net/history.html |date=July 24, 2011 }}."</ref> The boat originally provided transport from [[Lakeside, Ohio]] to what is now [[East Harbor State Park]] on Catawba Island (which is actually a peninsula).<ref name="neumanhist" /> Eventually, he began service to the islands as well, including Kelleys. At its peak, the company operated a fleet of four ferries: the ''Commuter'', the ''Corsair'', the ''Kelleys Islander'', usually running out of Marblehead; and the ''Challenger'' running out of Sandusky.<ref name="neumanhist" /> The company folded in the first decade of the 21st century due to financial mismanagement, excessive growth with low market share, and steep price competition by the recently established Kelleys Island Ferry.{{citation needed|date=May 2022}}

The Kelleys Island Ferry is the only line that runs year-round (weather permitting) between the island and the mainland. The line is owned by James "Jim" Palladino and his family.<ref>"[http://www.kelleysisland.com/kelleyslife/may04.pdf Circus is coming again! Kelly Miller Circus to appear on Kelleys Aug. 9 & 10] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061113225922/http://www.kelleysisland.com/kelleyslife/may04.pdf |date=2006-11-13 }}", ''Kellys Life'' newsletter</ref> Palladino was tied by local media to the [[Cleveland Mafia]].<ref>''Cleveland Scene'' article: "[http://www.freetimes.com/stories/15/9/the-mafia-plot-to-kill-dennis-kucinich The Mafia Plot To Kill Dennis Kucinich - A Former Cleveland Police Chief Finally Tells The Whole Story] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070708205903/http://www.freetimes.com/stories/15/9/the-mafia-plot-to-kill-dennis-kucinich |date=2007-07-08 }}".</ref><ref>ClevelandMob.com article: "[http://www.clevelandmob.com/warofwaste.html War of Waste] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203062448/http://www.clevelandmob.com/warofwaste.html |date=February 3, 2009 }}".</ref><ref name="scene1">''Cleveland Scene'' article: "[https://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/feeding-the-machine/Content?oid=1521129 Feeding The Machine: A Quick Look At Who Gives To, And Who Benefits From, Bill Mason's Campaign Treasury] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719233404/https://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/feeding-the-machine/Content?oid=1521129 |date=July 19, 2018 }}".</ref> He was arrested in 1992 for being a felon in possession of over 60 firearms (it is illegal for an individual in Ohio to own any guns if previously convicted of a felony).<ref name="plaindealerpalladino">"[http://blog.cleveland.com/pdextra/2010/11/dimora_finances_practices_unde.html Dimora finances, practices under fire] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719233632/http://blog.cleveland.com/pdextra/2010/11/dimora_finances_practices_unde.html |date=July 19, 2018 }}", ''[[Plain Dealer]]''</ref> After the Neuman Ferry line closed, Palladino had purchased several boats from the company, as well their dock on the island. The private ferry runs to [[Marblehead, Ohio]] every half-hour during the tourist season, with the ride lasting approximately 25 minutes.<ref name="kifaq">Kelleys Island Chamber of Commerce page: "[http://www.kelleysislandchamber.com/faq/faq.htm Kelleys Island FAQ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100718071714/http://kelleysislandchamber.com/faq/faq.htm |date=2010-07-18 }}."</ref>

A competing ferry line named the [[Jet Express (ferry line)|Jet Express]] runs during the season multiple times daily from Sandusky, and [[Cedar Point]] to Kelleys Island.<ref name="jet">jet-express.com page: "[http://www.jet-express.com/component/jcalpro/view/705/ Purple Schedule] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130126193542/http://www.jet-express.com/component/jcalpro/view/705/ |date=2013-01-26 }}."</ref> The boat line started in 1988; it operates from May through September. It is a passenger-only ferry, and does not carry vehicles. The Jet Express runs from Sandusky, Ohio and makes stops at Cedar Point, Kelleys Island, and Put-In-Bay.<ref name="jet2">jet-express.com page: "[http://www.jet-express.com/about-us/about-pib-boat-line About Jet Express] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100730082220/http://www.jet-express.com/about-us/about-pib-boat-line |date=2010-07-30 }}".</ref> The Jet Express boat takes approximately 25 minutes for the trip from Sandusky.<ref name="kifaq" />

===Airport===
[[File:Kelleys Island Airport.jpg|150px|thumb|The single runway at Kelleys Island Land Field Airport]]The east side contains a small public [[airport]], called the [[Kelleys Island Land Field|Kelleys Island Land Field Airport]] ([[FAA]] [[Location identifier|LID]]: '''89D''').<ref name="airnav">AirNav page: "[http://www.airnav.com/airport/89D 89D - Kelleys Island Land Field Airport] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511131407/http://www.airnav.com/airport/89D |date=May 11, 2011 }}."</ref> It features a terminal building, a single [[runway]], and a parking area for [[airplane|planes]].<ref name="airnav" /><ref name="kiairport">kelleysisland.us page: "[http://www.kelleysisland.us/view_departments.php?department=Airport Airport] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090504025010/http://www.kelleysisland.us/view_departments.php?department=Airport |date=May 4, 2009 }}".</ref>

===Highways===
[[File:OH 575 map.svg|thumb|Route of OH 575]]
Kelleys Island is served by [[Ohio State Route 575]]. The route was created in 1937 and has not changed since, and is one of Ohio's only state highways to be disconnected from the rest of the system.

===Other===
Due to the island's small size, many people use [[bicycles]], [[golf carts]] and [[motor scooters]] as their regular transportation while there.<ref name="kifaq" /> Automobiles can be transported to the island via ferry; though most roads are modern, some streets on the north side as well as near the quarries are unpaved.

==Geography==
[[File:Bass Islands map.png|thumb|Map of Kelleys Islands and the nearby [[Bass Islands]].]]

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the village has a total area of {{convert|4.41|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|4.35|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.06|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web |title=US Gazetteer files 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 6, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702145235/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |archive-date=July 2, 2012 }}</ref>

===Geology===
Kelleys Island consists of Middle [[Devonian]] ([[Eifelian]] Stage) [[limestone]]s and [[Dolomite (rock)|dolomite]]s, the Lucas Dolostone, and the [[Columbus Limestone]]. The Lucas Dolostone is intensely dolomitized. With the exception of localized algal [[Reef knoll|mounds]] and [[Stromatoporoidea|stromatoporoids]], it is sparsely [[fossiliferous]]. Several species of stromatoporoids, which represent four [[genera]], have been recorded from the Lucas Dolostone of Kelleys Island. The Lucas Dolostone accumulated within coastal [[subtidal]] to [[Intertidal zone|peritidal]] [[mudflat]]s. These mudflats were permanently submerged and progressively buried beneath muddy [[shoal]] and [[lagoon]]al [[sediment]]s as [[relative sea level]] rose and the shoreline shifted westward during the Eifelian Stage.<ref name="FeldmannOthers1987a">Feldmann, R.M., and Bjerstedt, T.W., 1987. [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/306106342_Kelleys_Island_Giant_Glacial_Grooves_and_Devonian_Shelf_Carbonates_in_North-Central_Ohio ''Kelleys Island: Giant glacial grooves and Devonian shelf carbonates.''] In Biggs, D.L., ed., ''Centennial Field Guide Volume 3 - North-Central Section of the Geological Society of America.'' Geological Society of America, Boulder, Colorado, p. 395-398.</ref>
[[File:Columbus LS etched KellysIsland.jpg|thumb|left|Etched section of hand sample of Columbus Limestone from quarry on Kelley's Island. Circular feature is cross section of a [[rugose coral]].]]

Overlying the Lucas Dolostone, is the Columbus Limestone, which consists of the lowermost Bellepoint Member, middle Marblehead Member, and uppermost Venice Member. The Bellepoint Member consists of [[wackestone]]s and [[packstone]]s, which accumulated as muddy shoals and contain a large number of [[rugose coral]]s, [[gastropod]]s, [[rostroconch]]s, and [[brachiopod]]s. The Marblehead Member consists of a lower, thick-bedded, [[chert]]y, dolomitic, heavily-burrowed [[mudstone]] deposited in lagoonal conditions below mean [[wave base]]. These mudstones grade upward into thinner bedded, sparsely fossiliferous packstones and grainstones of this member's upper part that accumulated as subtidal shoals. A rippled, [[hardground]] surface forms the top of the Marblehead Member This hardground represents either a period of subaerial erosion or the lack of sediment accumulation at a shallow depth for a significant interval of time. The Marblehead Member is overlain by mudstones and wackestones of the uppermost Venice Member of the Columbus Limestone. This member accumulated below wave base in the open sea after relative sea level rose again.<ref name="FeldmannOthers1987a"/>

The Devonian limestone and dolomite that comprise Kelleys Island has been deeply eroded and scoured by the [[Laurentide Ice Sheet]] over the [[Pleistocene]]. On the island, the largest exposure of [[glacial striations|glacial grooves and striations]] created by glacial erosion is preserved in Glacial Grooves State Memorial, which is associated with [[Kelleys Island State Park]]. Within the Memorial, giant glacial grooves in a depression about {{convert|9|m|ft|sp=us}} wide and {{convert|4.5|m|ft|sp=us}} deep are exposed in an [[outcrop]] about {{convert|120|m|ft|sp=us}} long. Near the east edge of the outcrop, a number of the grooves are relatively straight, smooth, and exhibit striated surfaces. Farther west, the path of the individual grooves becomes far more tortuous, and striations are less distinct and fewer in number.<ref name="FeldmannOthers1987a"/>

Munro-Stasiuk and others<ref name="Munro-StasiukOthers2005a">Munro-Stasiuk, M.J., Fisher, T.G. and Nitzsche, C.R., 2005. ''The origin of the western Lake Erie grooves, Ohio: implications for reconstructing the subglacial hydrology of the Great Lakes sector of the Laurentide Ice Sheet.'' ''Quaternary Science Reviews'', 24(22), pp.2392-2409.</ref> argue that the giant glacial grooves and the depression, in which they lie, were eroded by highly turbulent, high velocity, sediment-laden meltwater flows. Judging from similar tortuous, giant, glacial grooves, which are found all over, and between, the Lake Erie islands on high and low areas, the erosional features are interpreted to have formed during a subglacial meltwater megaflood that took place before or near the [[Last Glacial Maximum]].<ref name="Munro-StasiukOthers2005a"/>

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
| 1900 = 1174
| 1910 = 1017
| 1920 = 708
| 1930 = 638
| 1940 = 564
| 1950 = 324
| 1960 = 171
| 1970 = 175
| 1980 = 121
| 1990 = 172
| 2000 = 367
| 2010 = 312
| 2020 = 289
| footnote = U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015|archive-date=April 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426102944/http://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="2020census" />
}}

===2020 census===
The 2020 census showed a population of 289 with a median age of 65.9, in 149 households.<ref name="2020census">{{Cite web |title=Census profile: Kelleys Island, OH |url=http://censusreporter.org/profiles/16000US3939662-kelleys-island-oh/ |access-date=August 30, 2023 |website=Census Reporter |language=en}}</ref>

=== 2010 census ===
As of the [[census]]<ref name ="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov/|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 6, 2013|archive-date=December 27, 1996|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961227012639/https://www.census.gov/|url-status=live}}</ref> of 2010, there were 312 people, 175 households, and 99 families residing in the village. The [[population density]] was {{convert|71.7|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 859 housing units at an average density of {{convert|197.5|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the village was 98.1% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.3% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.6% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.6% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 0.3% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 1.3% of the population.

There were 175 households, of which 10.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.6% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 1.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.4% were non-families. 41.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.78 and the average family size was 2.34.

The median age in the village was 58.8 years. 9.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 1.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 11.2% were from 25 to 44; 43.6% were from 45 to 64; and 34.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 52.6% male and 47.4% female.

===2000 census===
{| class="wikitable sortable collapsible" style="font-size: 90%;"
|-
! Largest ancestries (2000) !! Percent
|-
| [[German Americans|German]] {{flagicon|GER}} || 28.0%
|-
| [[English Americans|English]] {{flagicon|England}} || 15.9%
|-
| [[Irish Americans|Irish]] {{flagicon|Ireland}} || 15.3%
|-
| [[Polish American|Polish]] {{flagicon|Poland}} || 8.9%
|-
| [[Italian American|Italian]] {{flagicon|Italy}}  ||6.1%
|}
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, there were 367 people, 183 households, and 112 families residing in the village. The population density was {{convert|80.5|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 709 housing units at an average density of {{convert|155.5|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the village was 99.46% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.27% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.27% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]]. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 0.27% of the population.

There were 183 households, out of which 15.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.6% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 5.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.3% were non-families. 35.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.99 and the average family size was 2.55.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 15.0% under the age of 18, 2.2% from 18 to 24, 19.9% from 25 to 44, 40.1% from 45 to 64, and 22.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 52 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $35,500, and the median income for a family was $49,375. Males had a median income of $29,643 versus $26,071 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the village was $21,944. About 7.6% of families and 9.8% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including none of those under age 18 and 14.0% of those age 65 or over.

[[File:Kelleys Island Library.jpg|thumb|The library is located in an annex of the school.]]

===Education===

[[Kelleys Island School]] serves the island and is located on Division Street.<ref name="Kelleys Island School">{{cite web|url=http://www.kelleys.k12.oh.us/home|title=Kelleys Island School|access-date=December 31, 2006|archive-date=July 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150728014342/http://www.kelleys.k12.oh.us/home|url-status=dead}}</ref> The village has a public library, a branch of the Sandusky Library system.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sandusky.lib.oh.us/about_us/loc_hours.php | title=About us | publisher=Sandusky Library | access-date=February 25, 2018 | archive-date=January 13, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113012454/http://www.sandusky.lib.oh.us/about_us/loc_hours.php | url-status=dead }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Populated islands of the Great Lakes]]

==Notes==
{{Cnote|a|The actual area of the expanded district is {{convert|2888|acre}},<ref name=nris /> which is mathematically equivalent to the island's area 4.6 square miles.}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{Wikivoyage|Kelleys Island}}
* [https://www.kelleysislandchamber.com/ Kelleys Island Chamber of Commerce]
* [https://www.kelleysislandhistorical.org/ Kelleys Island Historical Society]
* [http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g50497-Kelleys_Island_Ohio-Vacations.html Kelleys Island] at [[TripAdvisor]]
* [http://www.airnav.com/airport/89D Kelleys Island Land Field Airport] at AirNav

{{Erie County, Ohio}}
{{Lake Erie Islands |state=autocollapse}}
{{National Register of Historic Places in Ohio}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Villages in Erie County, Ohio]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1826]]
[[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Erie County, Ohio]]
[[Category:Islands of Lake Erie in Ohio]]
[[Category:Ohio populated places on Lake Erie]]
[[Category:Landforms of Erie County, Ohio]]
[[Category:1826 establishments in Ohio]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Sandusky, Ohio]]
[[Category:Kelleys Island, Ohio]]
[[Category:Villages in Ohio]]