Why is it called Rattlesnake Island?

[chipj29]

There are many islands on the lake you could ask the same question of.
Is Bear Island shaped like a bear, or were there a lot of bears there at one time?
What about Diamond Island? Shaped like a diamond, or is there a treasure trove of diamonds there?
Ship Island? Was it a ship at one time? Shaped like a ship?

Inquiring minds want to know!

[Bear Islander]

Originally Posted by chipj29

There are many islands on the lake you could ask the same question of.
Is Bear Island shaped like a bear, or were there a lot of bears there at one time?
What about Diamond Island? Shaped like a diamond, or is there a treasure trove of diamonds there?
Ship Island? Was it a ship at one time? Shaped like a ship?

Inquiring minds want to know!

In 1772 six men arrived at the island to survey it. Their dogs found and treed four large bears. The men shot the bears for their meat but it ended up in a knife fight (the men had the knives, not the bears). The men were injured but lived, the bears not so much! At that point they named the island Big Bear Island. Later shortened.

[tis]

Originally Posted by chipj29

There are many islands on the lake you could ask the same question of.
Is Bear Island shaped like a bear, or were there a lot of bears there at one time?
What about Diamond Island? Shaped like a diamond, or is there a treasure trove of diamonds there?
Ship Island? Was it a ship at one time? Shaped like a ship?

Inquiring minds want to know!

UH, OH, Diamond Island people. We are all going to come out there and start hunting for diamonds!!!! You will be overrun!!

[Bear Islander]

In 1841 the Belknap, the lakes first steamboat was wrecked and sunk in a storm just off of what is now Steamboat Island. Remains of the wreck are still there.