In the 17th century the island was granted to William Brewster of Plymouth Colony, after whom the adjacent islands of Great Brewster, Little Brewster, Middle Brewster and Outer Brewster are named.
During the 17th century, the island was given to William Brewster of the Plymouth Colony. This is why the adjacent islands are called Great Brewster, Little Brewster, Middle Brewster, and Outer Brewster in his honor.