Liberty Island states. The oyster beds would remain a major source of food for nearly three centuries. Landfilling, started by the 1870s, particularly by the Lehigh Valley Railroad and Central Railroad of New Jersey, eventually obliterated the beds, engulfed one island and brought the shoreline much closer to the others. After the surrender of Fort Amsterdam by the Dutch to the British in 1664, the English governor Richard Nicolls granted the island to Captain Robert Needham. It was sold to Isaac Bedloe on December 23, 1667. The island was retained by his estate until 1732 when it was sold for five shillings
Power Island gave the island to Grand Traverse County, it was renamed Power Island after Eugene Power. Today, even though the island's name is officially Power Island, many locals still call it Marion Island or Ford Island. Sometimes, the island is fully known as Bassett Island, not referring to the smaller island to the north. Power Island's waters are locally known for being a clear, Caribbean blue. These make the island a popular fishing, kayaking, swimming, and boating destination. Mount Ford, the hill on the island, boasts a hiking and walking path. The island campsite is a popular summer activity. Other popular