HISTORY

Let us give you the background of Pelee Island, the southern most populated spot in Canada. It's nestled in the western basin of Lake Erie, right between Ohio and Ontario, and it's a total gem! This place has fascinating history which you can learn more about at the local museum.  

The island's a good size, covering around 10,000 acres, with dimensions of about 12.5km by 6km. 

Pelee Island has been a happening spot for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence shows that indigenous folks were here about 10,000 years ago.  Then the island was found by a couple whose story is truly a love story that movies could be based upon.  Learn more about their story at the local museum and in history books found in the cottage!  Their lineage continues on the island to this very day! 

The Battle of Pelee went down in 1838 during the Patriot War, when folks were fighting to liberate Upper Canada from the British. They managed to take control of the island, but things didn't go as planned, and they got pushed back in no time. It was a tough situation for sure.

Fast forward to the 1860s, and the island got into the wine game. They were rockin' it, producing some top-notch wine, but then in 1915, they hit pause on the whole grape-growing fiesta. Luckily, in the 1980s, the Pelee Island Winery got things back on track and reignited the wine-making magic.

Now, let's talk about the island's journey through time. Back in 1868, it officially became a township, and by 1900, the population was booming with nearly 800 residents, not to mention four schools, four churches, and three general stores. But like most places, things evolved, and nowadays, the year-round population is less, though it picks up during the summer months.

We've got some cool spots to hit up here. The Pelee Island Co-operative Association holds it down with their general store. And there's a school up north, serving students from kindergarten to grade 12. 

The Pelee Island Winery is the heart and soul of this place, growing over 700 acres of grape goodness right on the island. They take those  grapes to Kingsville, Ontario, where wine-making magic happens.

But there's more to this island life! Pelee Island's got some serious farm vibes going on. Crops like soybeans, canola, and wheat are thriving here. And those limestone quarries operated by Erie Sand & Gravel Ltd.? You'll spot their stone all around the island, serving as armor stone.

So, that's Pelee Island for you, the perfect blend of history, wine, and farming. It's got something for everyone, and it's a treasure worth cherishing.