Foot of Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, Ohio

The foot of Columbus Avenue in Sandusky, Ohio was the location of Lake Erie steamer service during the years from 1870 to 1930. As this picture shows hundreds of men and women have arrived and parked their automobiles and are preparing to board steamers for Lakeside, Kelleys Island, Cedar Point, and South Bass Island.

President William Howard Taft and First Lady Nellie Taft at South Bass Island

This picture shows President William Howard Taft and First Lady Helen Herron Taft readying to lay the cornerstone of Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial on South Bass Island in August 1912. The monument was built between 1912 and 1915 to commemorate Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's victory on Lake Erie over the British fleet in September 1813. It also represented the lasting peace between the U.S., Canada, and England.

The Stagecoach Ride at Cedar Point

The Stagecoach Ride at Cedar Point featured simulated attacks by desperadoes. The ride existed for only two season, closing in 1968. The Cedar Point and Lake Erie Railroad, which opened in 1963, is the most popular ride in the history of Cedar Point. It features authentic steam-powered, coal-driven burning locomotives. It celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2013.

Castalia Trout Club

One of the many hunting and fishing clubs along Lake Erie shoreline was the Castalia Trout Club founded around 1890. It provided access to Cold Creek, the only area watercourse with trout habitat.

Steamers at Columbus Avenue in Sandusky, Ohio

During its heydey, the first decades of the 20th century, Lake Erie steamer service to the islands made Sandusky's Columbus Avenue a busy place. Boats carried visitors to resorts and beaches throughout the islands.