(DC) (DC Bird Alliance) The earliest known inhabitants of what we know today as Roosevelt Island were the Nacotchtank Indians, who were forced there in the 1660s. Archaeological evidence shows that the island was used by Native American tribes from prehistory until the early 18th century.

During the Civil War, the island was used as a training camp for the United States Colored Troops. The island was given to the federal government by the Theodore Roosevelt Association in memory of the 26th president. Until then, the island had been known as My Lord’s Island, Barbadoes Island, Mason’s Island, Analostan Island, and Anacostine Island. (wikipedia)