Why is it called Rattlesnake Island?

Accipiter290 · 05-05-2014, 10:46 AM

I too believe that the island was named for its likeness to a rattlesnake. When coiled either defensively or for hunting, they create almost a figure 8 or "infinity" symbol with their heads poised outward in the center. If you google pictures of rattlesnakes you will see countless examples.

Steveo · 05-05-2014, 01:53 PM

I live in Loon Cove and many years ago the residents of Loon Cove put up a sign that said Be careful of Snakes. The reason was because they wanted to stop people from anchoring there. Maybe it is the same reason for Rattlesnake, helps keep people off the island.

chipj29 · 05-06-2014, 09:23 AM

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 · 05-06-2014, 11:48 AM

Quote:

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 · 05-06-2014, 12:47 PM

Quote:

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 · 05-06-2014, 02:07 PM

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.

05-05-2014, 01:53 PM	#2
Steveo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 524 Thanks: 47 Thanked 123 Times in 63 Posts	Careful Snakes I live in Loon Cove and many years ago the residents of Loon Cove put up a sign that said Be careful of Snakes. The reason was because they wanted to stop people from anchoring there. Maybe it is the same reason for Rattlesnake, helps keep people off the island.

05-06-2014, 09:23 AM	#3
chipj29 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bow Posts: 1,874 Thanks: 521 Thanked 308 Times in 162 Posts	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! __________________ Getting ready for winter!

05-05-2014, 10:46 AM	#1
Accipiter290 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Sleeper's Island Posts: 62 Thanks: 53 Thanked 145 Times in 25 Posts	I too believe that the island was named for its likeness to a rattlesnake. When coiled either defensively or for hunting, they create almost a figure 8 or "infinity" symbol with their heads poised outward in the center. If you google pictures of rattlesnakes you will see countless examples.

The Following User Says Thank You to Bear Islander For This Useful Post:
chipj29 (05-07-2014)

05-06-2014, 02:07 PM	#6
Bear Islander Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bear Island Posts: 1,764 Thanks: 32 Thanked 441 Times in 207 Posts	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.