Hart Island, located in Long Island Sound near the Bronx, was originally inhabited by the Siwanoy, a subgroup of the Lenape Native Americans. The island was part of their traditional hunting and fishing grounds. On 14 November 1654, English physician Thomas Pell purchased Hart Island along with a large tract of land from the Siwanoy chiefs. Ownership of the island passed through Pell's family until 1774 when it was sold to Oliver De Lancey. Over the next century, the island changed hands between the Rodman, Haight, and Hunter families. During the early 19th century, Hart Island became known locally for bare-knuckle boxing matches, attracting large crowds.
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