It's easy to get lost around NOVA, but sometimes you stumble upon a place that's worth getting lost in. At least, that's what happened to me when I visited Theodore Roosevelt Island. When I stumbled upon a bridge that went over the Potomac River to what looked like a very green area — 88.5 acres of green area to be exact — I was overjoyed. The plaque said “Theodore Roosevelt Island.” I had heard rumblings from locals about how this was a spot to check out, but I wasn’t sure why. That would quickly change.

Crossing the bridge truly felt like I had entered a whole new world. The beeps and honks of cars grew quiet, the sirens of firetrucks began to hush, and the what seemed to be never-ending stream of planes became an afterthought. Instead, I was surrounded by green trees as the concrete underneath my feet quickly changed to gravel and mud.

Have you had the opportunity to explore this popular island? | Photo via NPS

What used to be on Theodore Roosevelt Island?

This is the question I first asked myself when finding this sanctuary in a bustling urban landscape.

Archaeological evidence suggests that human activity on the island dates back 9,000 years. This spot is part of the larger Potomac River Valley, which people have inhabited for the past 15,000 years. It is said that while it seems Indigenous groups never permanently settled on the island, groups would set up "base camps," allowing them to live here momentarily while they hunted, fished, and harvested.

Maps created by European colonizers like John Smith depict tribes such as the Namoraughquend and Nacotchtanck living near the island. These colonizers displaced many tribes, leading to increased conflicts and violence. While some Native Americans moved West, some did stay and endured the oppression of these colonizers. To this day, many Native people live in the Potomac Valley.

It was in 1632 when the island — then known as “My Lord’s Island” — came under the control of Cecilius Calvert, the Second Lord of Baltimore.
By 1717, ownership passed to George Mason III of Virginia’s prominent Mason family, giving rise to the name “Mason’s Island.” The Masons maintained possession of the island throughout the 18th century, eventually selling it in 1833. During their ownership, the Mason family established a plantation on the island, enslaving people on site.

During the Civil War, from 1863 to 1865, the island served a new purpose as the site of Camp Greene, a military installation.

The area quickly became a popular outdoor retreat for the community, offering activities such as boating, hiking, camping, cycling, and various sports. However, this era came to an end in 1891 when a fire destroyed the Columbia Athletic Club’s clubhouse on the island. Later, during the Spanish-American War, the then-abandoned island was repurposed for testing explosives.

How did it become Theodore Roosevelt Island?

In the 1930s, landscape architects decided to revamp the island and rebuild the forest that had previously filled this spot. President Roosevelt was an advocate for conservation, whether that was protecting public land, national parks (especially the Grand Canyon), or national monuments. This is exactly why landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. worked to design this memorial surrounded by such a natural landscape.

The plan to make the island what we know today received approval in 1934. Swampy areas were drained, non-native plants were removed, and native greenery was planted. Paths were created to make the island accessible to the public, which officially opened in 1936.

How to explore the island today

Today, the island offers various activities for community members and visitors. Take part in a guided tour with a ranger on Saturday mornings at 10:30 a.m., go for a jog by yourself, grab your binoculars to go bird watching, or paddle around the island on a kayak or paddleboard.

For the kiddos, you can earn your junior ranger badge through the NPS Junior Ranger program. They can also take part in adventures like bird watching or scavenger hunts with the Track the Trails program.

Now I could go on and on about this island, but I think it’s best you check out this natural gem for yourself. Which local park would you like us to feature next?