Although much of the island is composed of periodically inundated cordgrass, several hummocks that remain above water host loblolly pine, eastern redcedar, southern wax myrtle, greenbriar, honeysuckle, and poison ivy.

[3] A south eastern track is privately conserved as "Campo De Partida" Mockhorn island was first settled by Europeans in the 17th century for the purpose of establishing a saltworks.

After the Civil War and the completion of the New York, Philadelphia and Norfolk Railroad the Virginia barrier islands experienced increased recreational use and several extensive waterfowl hunting clubs catering to wealthy sportsmen from northern cities were built.

He expanded Cobb's existing hunting lodge and made it a comfortable home, built a barn and a smoke house, cleared pastures for cattle and fields for growing alfalfa.

Jones, a college football coach turned businessman used the compound for nearly a decade to entertain guests including military and political leaders who were flown in by helicopter for duck hunting trips.