Originally called Bourne's in 1680 and then Somervell's Island in 1740, the island became known as Solomon's Island in 1867 because of Isaac Solomon's oyster packing facilities there. Shipyards developed to support the island's fishing fleet, and the famed bugeye sailing craft were built there in the 19th century. Its deep, protected harbor has remained a busy marine center ever since. During the War of 1812, Commodore Joshua Barney's flotilla sallied from there to attack British vessels on the Chesapeake Bay. The causeway connecting the island with the mainland was built around 1870.