Sugar Island (Detroit River)

Sugar Island is a small island in the Detroit River[1] between Grosse Ile and Boblo Island. Sugar Island is part of Grosse Ile Township, Wayne County, Michigan, United States, and lies about 0.5 miles (0.80 km) west of the border with Canada. Currently the island is uninhabited and was recently converted to a wildlife refuge by the US Fish and Wildlife service (see below). The majority of the island is wooded and it is known for its white sandy beaches and easy access by boat.

Sugar Island
Aerial image of an island.
USGS aerial imagery of Sugar Island
Sugar Island is located in Wayne County, Michigan
Sugar Island
Sugar Island
Sugar Island is located in Michigan
Sugar Island
Sugar Island
Geography
LocationDetroit River
Coordinates42°05′29″N 83°08′39″W / 42.09139°N 83.14417°W / 42.09139; -83.14417
Area30 acres (12 ha)
Administration
StateMichigan
CountyWayne County
TownshipGrosse Ile Township
Demographics
PopulationUninhabited

In the early part of the 20th century (c. 1900-1940), Sugar Island was the site of a resort park and large dance pavilion.[2] Access to the island was by steam ferry, including the SS Tashmoo. Tashmoo met her fate on the night of June 18, 1936 while departing Sugar Island she struck a rock. She was able to land her passengers in Amherstburg, Ontario before sinking.[3]

For many years Sugar island was held in private ownership with plans to build a bridge and residential housing on the island. There were objections to this plan, mainly by environmental groups, as the island is a resting point for many species of migratory birds. The island was recently purchased by the US Fish and Wildlife service for $434,100 and will be made into a wildlife refuge.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "The Detroit River". Detroit River Coalition. Retrieved 2021-05-20.
  2. ^ "Sugar Island Park, Sugar Island Michigan". Retrieved 2009-01-21.
  3. ^ "The SS Tashmoo and her date with doom". Retrieved 2009-01-21.