Archeological digs on the island resulted in the discovery of Paleo-Indian projectile points that date back to around 13,000 years ago.

These materials would have been deposited by people living during the Pleistocene when, because of lower sea-levels, the area was well inland and not an island.

During the War of 1812, the British used it to unload military supplies, preparatory to invading the United States via the Flint River (Georgia) (see Nicolls' Outpost).

In 1948, the Loomis brothers, Alfred, Jr. and Henry, bought the island and imported zebras, elands, black buck, ring-necked pheasants, Asian jungle fowl, bobwhite quail, and semi-wild turkeys.

The island is also a haven for endangered species such as loggerhead sea turtles, indigo snakes, gopher tortoises and the red wolf.

The island is a popular sea kayaking and boating destination, with fishing and birding opportunities abundant along the shore.