An article in the The Beaver Valley Times dated 14 Oct 2007 described the two Ohio River  islands near Georgetown: Phillis Island and Georgetown Island.  The size of both islands changed dramatically over the years.  Georgetown Island 25 acres at one time is now 4 acres.  Phillis Island from 108 acres to 20 acres.  The rate of change is approx the same.

Both islands were inhabited and farmed until the end of WW II.  Although the article suggested that the decrease in size was due to dredging, it was more likely caused by the increase in water level with The Canalization of the Ohio River.  Lock #7 was build in 1913 and the New Cumberland dam was opened in the 1950′s.  The water level increased enough to cover the sandy beaches in front of Georgetown and the Indian Rocks across the river.

Dravo Corp sold the islands to The Nature Conservancy in 1989 for $5.  The Nature Conservancy sold the islands to the federal government for $82,500 in 1991.  If my home had appreciated equally, I would today be a multi-billionaire.

Georgetown Islands part 1 (Anna L and John F Nash Collection)

Georgetown Islands part 2 (Anna L and John F Nash Collection)

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