[1][2][3][4] It has been suggested the name was derived from the Wolf Spider, to sound frightening and intimating, with the intention of scaring non-residents away from the area.

[8] In 1887 a wooden bridge crossing the Mississippi over Latsch Island was created to join Winona to Wisconsin.

It remains in operation to this day and is the main bridge between Latsch and the mainland, carrying Minnesota State Highway 43 between Wisconsin and Winona.

[10] The iron and steel "Wagon Bridge" was torn down and scrapped, as its materials were in high demand due to the outbreak of World War II.

But in 1945 Winona asked the federal government to return control of the concrete bridge to the city, and their request was granted.

[6] It was roughly during this same era, the interwar period and the Great Depression, that squatters also began to take up residence on the island.

In turn, the squatters began mooring houseboats on the now trafficless north side of the island, safe in the knowledge they would not be disturbed there.

They also suggested that many of the boathouses had hazardous structural issues, such as loose flotation barrels and dangerous wiring.

The right to own and build houseboats in the area was brought to trial in this period, and the Judge, Dennis Challeen, himself a member of the Latsch island council, ruled in favour of the residents.

[12][5] The 1980s saw increased regulations introduced over boathouses; Standards were set for buoyancy, roofing, external appearance, lavatories and preservation of adjacent property.

[15] Despite its aura and reputation as a fringe bohemian community, Latsch Island has been home to residents from all walks of life.

Former and current residents have included judges, professors, artists, and local politicians in addition to members of the Winona working class and homeless.

Freshwater cannot be drawn from the river itself, and instead many residents choose to either collect rainwater or haul water to the island from Winona.