Eagle Island Plantation was the site of the home of Sarah Ann Groce Wharton and William Harris Wharton. William Harris Wharton was a member of the Convention of Texas in 1832, president of the Convention of 1833, a member of the Senate of the Republic of Texas from 1836 to 1838, and Texas minister to the United States from 1836 to 1837. It was a gathering place for distinguished people.