Johnson’s Island: Its Layered Past and Haunted Presence
Nestled in the serene expanse of Sandusky Bay in northern Ohio lies Johnson’s Island, a place steeped in history and haunted by tales of the past. In 1861, amid the tumult of the Civil War, the U.S. Army acquired a 40-acre plot from its owner, Leonard Johnson, to establish a prison camp for Confederate soldiers. Between 1862 and 1865, this site bore witness to the hardships faced by these men, who endured the cruel winds of winter and the ravages of disease. The camp was equipped to house the soldiers in barracks, provide sustenance from a kitchen, and care for the sick in a hospital. A solemn cemetery emerged on the grounds, where nearly 200 of the soldiers were laid to rest, victims of their grim circumstances.
As the war came to an end, the island entered a quieter chapter, briefly transforming into a resort destination in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This period of leisure was soon followed by the relentless extraction of limestone that defined the early 1900s. The demand for stone led to the establishment of a village where about 150 workers lived, primarily Italian immigrants. This bustling hub featured a store, a school, a tavern, and a post office, creating a close-knit community that fostered vibrant stories and legends—especially those of the supernatural that were held secret on the island for many years as most of it is private even into today. That is, except for the small Confederate Cemetery there.
One such tale, reported in a New York Times article from August 2000, recounts a particularly stormy night in 1915. The laborers toiling in the limestone quarry witnessed an extraordinary event: the statue of a Confederate soldier in the nearby cemetery seemed to come to life. Legend has it that the statue turned its gaze away from the shimmering lake, directing its eyes toward the graves behind it. With an air of solemnity, it lifted its bugle high and began to play a haunting melody. The atmosphere thickened with mystery as ghostly figures of Confederate soldiers in tattered uniforms emerged from the mist enveloping the lake, marching silently into the night. Those who have lived on the island for generations often spoke of the eerie echo of the song “Dixie,” which was said to drift through the air, a ghostly reminder of the island’s layered past.
Parking/Trailhead
Johnson’s Island Causeway
Marblehead, OH 43440
(41.500592, -82.729641)
Johnson’s Island is a private residential community. However, the Confederate Cemetery is open for visits.

Visiting Johnson’s Island Confederate Cemetery



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Nearby Visits:
Fairport Harbor Lighthouse: Nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake County, Fairport Harbor Lighthouse stands tall as a radiant beacon of safety, guiding countless ships and sailors through the treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.
Headlands Beach-Ohio’s longest beach
Johnson’s Island– Confederate Civil War Cemetery.
Maumee Bay State Park– Maumee Bay State Park is a popular destination known for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. The park features a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, and birdwatching, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy picturesque views of Maumee Bay and the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area.
Kelleys Island and Middle Bass Island, nestled amidst the shimmering expanse of Lake Erie, have long captivated the imaginations of locals and visitors alike with their legendary tales of mysterious lights.
Cedar Point is a 364-acre amusement park located on a Lake Erie peninsula in Sandusky, Ohio owned and operated by Six Flags. Features a private mile-long beach. It opened in 1870 and is considered the second-oldest operating amusement park in the US. Cear Point is the largest amusement ride park in the world as it offers over 150 rides (including 17 roller coasters), shows, and attractions.
The African Safari Wildlife Park is a drive through wildlife park in Port Clinton, Ohio. Visitors can drive through the 65-acre preserve and watch and feed the animals from their car.
The Watering Hole – Ohio Safari Zoo and Waterpark is an indoor/outdoor family fun center with waterslides, a go-kart track, an arcade & a mini-golf course.
Catawba Island State park near Port Clinton serves as the main headquarters for the Lake Erie Islands state parks (including Kelleys Island, South Bass and Oak Point), and provides a fishing pier, launch ramp, picnic shelter and picnic areas for day-use visitors
Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, west of Port Clinton, is one of the state’s foremost birding areas and is notable for its spring and fall bird migrations
East Harbor State Park on Marblehead Peninsula sports the largest campground in the Ohio state park system • Swimming, picnicking, boating and fishing are popular at East Harbor
Marblehead Lighthouse, built in 1821, is the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation of the Great Lakes and Ohio’s 73rd state park • It is located off S.R. 163 on the east side of the Village of Marblehead
Ohio State nature preserves located in the area include Sheldon Marsh, Old Woman Creek, Erie Sand Barrens, and DuPont Marsh
For more information on area attractions, visit
Lake Erie Shores & Islands Welcome Center(s)
South Bass Island (Put in Bay) South Bass Island is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant community, and rich history. The island boasts picturesque landscapes featuring lush green parks, scenic waterfronts, and breathtaking views of Lake Erie. Visitors can explore charming shops and local eateries in the quaint village of Put-in-Bay, which serves as a hub for tourists.
Additionally, the island offers a variety of recreational activities, including boating, hiking, and fishing, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Historically significant sites, such as the Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, also highlight the island’s importance in American history. Overall, South Bass Island is a captivating spot for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and a glimpse into the region’s past.
Click here for Ferries to Middle Bass and Put in Bay
If you don’t have your own boat, 2 privately operated ferries offer frequent daily service:
For more detailed info about Miller Ferry, please click here!
Miller Boat Line offers service for cars, RVS, bicyclists, & pedestrians from the mainland at Catawba • visit www.millerferry.com or call 800-500-2421 for information
The Jet Express offers service for pedestrians from Port Clinton and Sandusky • visit www.jet-express.com or call 800-245-1538 for information