The island is named after Sir John Lawrence who served as Viceroy of India from 1864 to 1869.

[6] Politically, John Lawrence Island is part of Port Blair Taluk.

The only way to reach John Lawrence Island is by local boat services.

Terrestrial moist forests and mangroves form the main vegetation of John Lawrence Island.

On 12 November 1844, a cyclone deposited two British vessels, sailing separately, about a quarter of a mile apart on the shore of the island.