The Story
From Native American roots to Civil War camps and beyond. This is the history of Theodore Roosevelt Island in Washington DC.
The Nacotchtank moved to this island in 1668 and gave it the name Anacostine'
Fast forward to 1724, George Mason III acquired the island and later his son, George IV, inherited it. That son moved a ferry to it that connected Virginia to Georgetown.
John Mason, built a mansion on the island around 1796. He was a member of agricultural societies and hosted grand parties, including a 1798 event for the future French king, Louis Philippe I."
In 1809, John Mason secured a charter for a turnpike, connecting his ferry landing with a major route. But by 1843, a new bridge overshadowed the ferry service.
During the Civil War, the island became Camp Greene, a Union Army training camp. It later housed African American soldiers and formerly enslaved people under the Freedmen's Bureau.
In 1967, the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial was dedicated, honoring the former president."
Next time you're in D.C., take a moment to visit and reflect on its past.
