As early as 1801, William H. Sumner, who had inherited a large tract on Noddle's Island, proposed that the federal government of the United States to create a turnpike to connect Salem (and Noddle's Island) to Boston, arguing that the road would create a much more direct route, making it easier for the neighborhood to develop: "There is no doubt that but that the necessities of the town of Boston will some require a connection with Noddle's Island with the town of which it is part."