In 1867, John Minto purchased and cleared land on an island near the east bank, turning it into productive farmland.

Due to flooding the land those two men settled are no longer true islands.

Instead, restoration projects have added thousands of trees and converted many agricultural acres to native plantings.

This prevents soil erosion, improves wildlife habitat, and promotes water quality.

[2] The property is the landing point for the Peter Courtney Pedestrian Bridge from Riverfront Park, completed in 2016.