Minnie Island State Park is a public recreation area occupying a tiny island at the southern end of
Gardner Lake[ that is split by the townline between Salem and Montville, ]Connecticut
Connecticut () is the southernmost state in the New England region of the Northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, New York to the west, and Long Island Sound to the south. Its capita ...
. It is accessible only via boat and offers opportunities for picnicking and fishing[ as well as general exploration in a largely deserted setting.][ The island is the state's smallest state park.][
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History
In the 19th century, the island was owned by a popular music teacher, the founder of Salem's Music Vale Seminary
Music Vale Seminary, also known as the Salem Normal Academy of Music, was a Normal school, normal Music school, music conservatory for women in Salem, Connecticut, Salem, Connecticut. It was the first accredited music school in the United States. ...
, Oramel Whittlesey (1801-1876). Whittlesey named the island for a niece nicknamed Minnie.[ In the 1920s, an attempt by squatters to take possession led to the discovery that although the island was claimed by both Salem and Montville, it was not on the tax rolls of either town.][ In solving the dilemma, the state assembly rejected the squatters' proposed legislation, instead passing a law in 1925 that took possession of the island for the state and turned its management over to the state park's commission.][
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Features
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in the 1930s described Minnie Island as "a pine-grown knoll rising from the lake's depths."[ It has a steep shoreline with gray outcropped ledges that offers few opportunities for docking.][ It rises approximately sixteen feet from the surface of Gardner Lake which lies at an elevation of .][ The island is thickly forested with mountain laurel undergrowth amidst large red oaks. A clearing at the summit may be littered with the detritus of previous visitors. There are no facilities of any kind and no signage.][
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References
External links
Minnie Island State Park
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
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State parks of Connecticut
Salem, Connecticut
Montville, Connecticut
Parks in New London County, Connecticut
Islands of Connecticut
Landforms of New London County, Connecticut
Protected areas established in 1925
1925 establishments in Connecticut