Native Americans, who fished its island and shores, named this area between Post Road and Greenwich Bay "Chepiwanoxet." Settled as a colonial farm in early 18th century, it became a beach resort with hotel and shore dinner hall after the Chepiwanoxet railroad station opened in around 1837. Small lots were sold for summer cottages to upstate residents and for homes to workers in nearby Cowesett Hill Estates in late 19th century. Before World War I, the Gallaudet Aircraft Company built a causeway to the island for its seaplane factory. The Chepiwanoxet entrance sign states that Warwick bought the island in 1994 for a city park.