Why is a peaceful area of water like that between the mainland and Washington Island called “Death’s Door”? Here’s one story: 

Before the European settlers came to live on beautiful Washington Island, the Potawatomi Indians led a peaceful existence here. 

Legend has it, however, that in the 1650s the war-like Winnebagos from the Green Bay area had a hankering for the Island and so, spoiled for a fight. The Potawatomis then, fearing the loss of their Island home, canoed to the mainland to fight their antagonists and were soundly defeated. They returned to the Island to lick their wounds.  

Later, a tribesman smoke-signaled news of an imminent invasion by the Winnebagos and the Potawatomis raced to meet their foes. Both tribes, crowding into hundreds of canoes, fought a bloody battle half-way between the Island and the mainland.

Poisoned arrows darkened the sky, killing many from both tribes. It is said that an angry god sent a storm that caused the drowning of hundreds of Indians. The French, therefore, called the area “Port Des Morts,” or “Death’s Door.”

According to an 1855 census, there were 190 males, 128 females on the Island.  Of those, 91 were of foreign birth, 1 was blind and 1 was insane.  

The census also noted that there were 258 dogs, 109 horses, 165 sheep, 641 cattle, and 240 sheep.