The island was created by the Shenandoah Canal, constructed by the Patowmack Company between 1806 and 1807, which separates it from the town of Harpers Ferry.

The canal was constructed to enable boats to bypass rapids on the river, and also channel water to drive machinery.

For much of the war, the island was used by Union forces as barracks and stables, workshops, corrals, a hospital, and for storage.

[2] In 1936 the worst recorded flood swept through the Harpers Ferry area, and the remaining islanders fled, never to return.

[4]: 142 Under the auspices of the National Park Service, the industrial and sociological history of Virginius Island have been studied in depth.