In the mid-19th century, the south shore region of Lake Erie was a popular vacation destination for the emerging middle class in the United States. The lake islands, such as Kelleys Island and South Bass Island, were gaining a reputation for their freshwater bathing resorts.[10] The Cedar Point peninsula, named for its abundance of cedar trees, was originally known for its fishing. Local fishermen leased land and built living quarters there.[11] Sandusky, which featured an important shipping harbor and two railroads, transformed into a major economic center over the next three decades.[12] Railroad and steamship travel supported an emerging tourism industry, and rapid development of the area began.[13]