Hoopers Island, long a community of watermen, takes its name from a family that settled in Dorchester County from southern Maryland in the latter part of the 17th century. Active in colonial affairs in the 18th century was Col. Henry Hooper, whose seat was "Warwick Fort Manor" near Secretary. His son, Brig. Gen. Henry Hooper, as commander of militia for the lower Eastern Shore, was responsible for the defense of this region during the Revolution.