Pooles Island was used for bombing practice from 1918 through the 1960s as part of Aberdeen Proving Ground.

Access to the island is prohibited due to unexploded ordnance.

[2] Pooles Island was first occupied by Native Americans.

It was first sighted by Europeans in 1608 when Captain John Smith explored the Chesapeake.

Elijah Williams' body washed ashore on the island, while his older brother James' body was never found; Elijah was buried by the lighthouse keeper.