Gibraltar Island

During the time of Jay Cooke and his family, Gibraltar Island had been visited and cherished by both the Cooke family and their many friends. The island had been purchased by Jay Cooke from Jose de Rivera St. Jurgo, on January 27, 1864 for the sum of $3,001. In the spring of 1864, Cooke began construction of the Cooke Mansion, better known as the Cooke Castle. The island and it's peaceful surroundings, became a haven of retreat for the Cooke family and their acquaintences during the hard times of the Civil War.

The nineteenth century spirit of the island will forever be remembered within the hand written pages of the Gibraltar Records. The records contain journal entries written by Jay Cooke, his family members, and various other visitors to the island. A couple of passages written between the summer of 1866 and the summer of 1867, provide us with a glimpse of the island from a time long past...

"On approaching the Island the scene was almost fairy like the waters were quite smooth- & the Islands dressed in their loveliest summer garb- The glorious old flag waved from the top of the Tower- another from the Boathouse, whilst the little fleet of boats anchored off the dock- those of them having masts were also gaily decked- On the lawn in front of the Mansion- bay side- a band of musicians were playing a welcome- some beautiful pieces & very well performed..." ..."Is it sinful to be so happy here--? & to while away days so deliciously? I think not -- for it gives us health & strength--..."

The island is situated in the waters of Lake Erie and is a part of Put-In-Bay. Gibraltar Island received it's name because the eastern edge of the island rises out of the water in a similar manner to the more famous rock of the Mediterranean.

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