His role in the purchase of the land for the light is a bit obscure, because although the main payment went to one Otho Scott, Donahoo was later paid $10 for the same plot.

Donahoo had owned the island some ten years prior, and it is unclear whether he was paid for brokering the sale or to quit title claims.

The original structure was a brick one and half story house with the lantern in the center of the roof ridge, similar in form to those built at Point Lookout and Blakistone Island.

From 1880 to 1891 the United States Bureau of Fisheries leased the island, employing it as a fish hatchery, and eventually purchased it outright.

In 1942 the island was transferred to the Department of the Interior and was made part of the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.