2. The Many Owners of Randall’s and Wards Islands

Director General of the Dutch Colony of New Netherland was the first European “owner” of both islands. Wouter van Twiller was an employee of the Dutch West India Company and the Director-General of New Netherland from 1633 through 1638. Besides Randall’s and Ward, van Twiller also owned Governors Island and Roosevelt Island.

In 1772, John Montresor, an engineer with the British army, purchased Randall’s Island, renaming it “Montresor’s Island.” He lived there with his wife until he was deployed in the Revolutionary War. Both islands hosted military posts during the war by the British, who launched attacks on Manhattan. Montresor’s house was burned in 1777 when he returned to England. He retained ownership until the British evacuated in 1783 and confiscated it.

In 1784, Jonathan Randell purchased one island (Randall’s Island). Jasper and Bartholomew Ward, who were sons of judge Stephen Ward, bought and renamed the island after themselves.