Johnson’s Island Preservation Society has a space in downtown Marblehead, Ohio for visitors to learn first-hand the history of Johnson’s Island. The Information Center has displays of both Civil War memorabilia and Johnson’s Island Resort artifacts. The official address is 414 West Main Street, Marblehead, Ohio on the second floor. The Information Center is open on Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 5PM starting with Memorial Day and continues through Labor Day.

To get to Johnson’s Island you must travel by automobile unless someone who lives on the island provides you dockage for your boat. There is no air strip for planes. Driving is the best along Route 163 out of Marblehead you will come upon a Historical Marker at Gaydos Road. 

Turning onto Gaydos Road you will find a toll both that cost $2.00 to pass through before the Causeway to Johnson’s Island. The drive must be cautious and be sure to drive slowly. You will come across children, golf carts, deer, pedestrians, balls, and other drivers who suddenly stop to sight see or dodge objects. Go slow!

As you enter Johnson’s Island you can travel down Confederate Drive on your left you will see the Confederate Cemetery. This is not just any Confederate Cemetery but one with over 200 Confederate Officers who died during the Civil War on Johnson’s Island while confined as Prisoners of War. Thousands of Confederate Officers survived their confinement and the Society provides much data about them and the Union garrison stationed on Johnson’s Island. There are many artifacts such as diaries, letters and documents in the privately held collection will be available. 

Following the Civil War Johnson’s Island became an island resort for home owners and the construction on the island is still happening today. The quarry on the island has provided stone for Cedar Point, Cleveland and Lorain breakwaters. The island has great views of Lake Erie, Sandusky Bay and Cedar Point. Recently the quarry was developed into beautiful home sites. Some of the new homes are on the water level while others are strategically placed around the very top of the quarry with great views and long walks down to their boats. 

Whether you are from the south like Billy Florence, have family roots from the south like myself, live near Gettysburg like Fred or simply love to study history like Orrin you will enjoy the trip to Johnson’s Island.

Sandusky Bay and Lake Erie is a beautiful experience for the whole family.

~ Jody Victor