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Explore the links below to learn about the many chapters of history on this island from ancient history up to becoming a memorial to Theodore Roosevelt in the 1930s. This island was assigned a variety of names starting with John Smith's exploration of the area on his voyage up the Potomac River. All were Anglicized hybrids of the name of the local Algonquian-speaking Native American Indian group who were using the island. Known variously as Nacotchtank, Anacostan, Nacostine, Anacostine, Anaquashtank, Nacothtant, or Nachatanke, their Anglicized names seem to be derived from the Indian word "anaquashatanik", meaning "a town of traders". Later, the name Analostan became commonplace. |
Last updated: May 23, 2024