In the late 19th century the island was inhabited the year round by a farming family, and the maple trees were tapped for syrup, which gave Sugar Island its current name. In 1900, the American Canoe Association formed a committee to obtain a permanent site on the St. Lawrence River to hold its annual meet. On July 18, 1901, Sugar Island, then known as St. Lawrence island, was purchased for $1,000 on land set aside for use of the Mississaguas of Alnwick Indians.
Starting in 1903 they hosted the annual meet for camping, competition and camaraderie between canoeists. Canoeists, kayakers and sailors come to visit from around the world and participate in longstanding competitions. The national encampment has been held every year since 1903 with the exception of Turtle Island in Lake George in 1926, no meets in 1944 and 1945, and one National Encampment in the Midwest in the 1970s.