Lake of the Cat

The name ‘Lake of the Cat’ derives its name from the Iroquois who called the big lake who’s shores they lived on ‘Erige’ The word Erige which signifies ‘the cat’ or ‘Nation of the Cat’ was also spoke of by the Hurons, in their language Erige or Ericke, meaning ‘Lake of the Cat’. Over the years the pronunciation has softened in our culture to evolve into what we know as the familiar name of Erie. I have discovered readings that speak of the origins behind Lake of the Cat. Some readings state that this name stemmed from the large population of cougars living across the region long before Erie’s shores were settled by Europeans. Other readings speak about how Lake Erie’s name evolved from Lake of the Cat due to the lake’s unpredictable and at times dangerously violent nature. Those who are familiar with Erie’s fast mood swings are aware how the lake can turn in an instant from a peaceful calm inland lake to what feels like a raging sea in mere minutes. Like how a cat can change its personality in the blink of an eye, a cat eye.