It is one of my favorite bodies of water found along the peninsula, due largely to its location nestled up against the rugged hillside overlooking Copper Harbor. Its most remarkable feature is perhaps its stillness, as it presents itself to you in real life in the same way it would as photograph – still, serene, quiet and calm. Hardly have I seen so much as a ripple splash along its surface, its waters just a hazy mirror reflecting the beautiful setting that surrounds it.
When first discovered, the lake was labeled as “Porter’s Lake” on maps, in reference to the Secretary of War at the time James Porter. At the time the lake was described as having waters which were brackish, resembling brandy and water but unpalatable. The lake would pick up a new nickname years later, thanks to a visit to the neighboring fort from Lucy Francis Hooe.
Known as “Fanny” to her friends, Lucy was the sister-in-law of one of the officers stationed at Fort Wilkins. In 1844 she spent a summer at the fort, leaving quite the impression on the enlisted men. The men would end up naming the lake in her honor – Lake Fanny Hooe. It was a name that would stick, making its way onto official government maps of the area and then into history.
