Lake George (Steuben County, Indiana)

Lake George (Steuben County, Indiana) is a recreational lake on the Indiana-Michigan state line, located two-thirds in Steuben County and one-third in Branch County. Nearby towns are Angola and Fremont in Indiana and Coldwater and Kinderhook in Michigan.

A mill pond and dam built in 1923 is located at the south end of the lake, where the once-prosperous community of Jamestown is located. The mill was destroyed by fire before WWII but its foundations can still be found. The dam construction raised the water level to make three bodies of water into one unified lake. Dam ownership has been a point of contention between the residence of the lake and the State of Indiana. Important land features include Brown's Point, Kope Kon Point, and the Mill Pond.

The lake is home to the international headquarters of the Inland cat Class Sailing Association. Until recently, it was the world's largest single-class inland fleet and competitive racing occurred throughout the summer months. The 16' long sailboats with a single sail were built by residents who owned a Fort Wayne fiberglass company in the 1960s and 1970s.

The Lake George Cottagers Association was established in 1927. The LGCA website is www.lakegeorgein.com. Cottagers have also established The Lake George Conservancy in the 2005 to protect surrounding land and to preserve the lake environs. Once almost exclusively surrounded by seasonal cottages which all had nicknames. The lake is now the year-round home to many residents. Many older cottages have been completely rebuilt into larger permanent homes. Annual festivities include 4th of July Fireworks and Labor Day Luminaries.

It is commonly rumored that John Dillinger and members of his infamous bank-robbing gang hid out on a lake front home that still stands on the lake today on Lane 201A. The location was supposedly chosen due to its proximity to the Indiana-Michigan state line, making it easier for the gang to evade local police. The cottage belonged to Homer VanMeter, a prominent member of Dillinger's gang, who is buried in the Lindenwood Cemetery in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Lake George is approximately 525 acres (212 ha) and is 82 ft (25 m) at its deepest point. There is significant historical evidence of Native American inhabitants living around Lake George.

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