The name origins of Walpole are uncertain (although possibly related to surveyors Lieutenants Arthur Walpole or John Walpole).
Settlement (1600s–1800s) In the late 1600s and early 1700s, what is now known as Walpole Island and the surrounding area was settled by people from the
Ojibwe and
Odawa nations. In 1844,
Jesuits from nearby
Sandwich built a mission at the northern point of Walpole Island at the Highbanks. This raised tensions with the Anishinaabeg as the Jesuits were not invited to build on the island and they cut down oak trees that the community did not want to be cut. The relationship between the two groups was further antagonized by the theological debate that Father Pierre Chazelle held with Chief Peterwegeschick and other chief leaders on July 31, 1844. In 1850, the Jesuits left after the mission was razed.
Deforestation of the island (1869–1883) Due to a number of contracts for harvesting oak on the island, drawn up by non-Native resource industries, a large amount of Walpole Island was deforested. The nature of these contracts "created a lasting mistrust between the community, Indian Affairs, and non-Native resource industries".
Illegal hunting prohibitions (1884–1899) As part of an effort to colonize the island,
Indian Affairs produced an illegal prohibition on the hunting of ducks on
Saint Anne's Island. The prohibition was lifted once Aboriginal Title was reaffirmed in 1899.
20th-century industrialization of Saint Clair River By the early twentieth century, the river surrounding Walpole Island was heavily trafficked with industrial freight.
Present day In February 2021 a University of Windsor male student unrelated to Island members was murdered near Pump House Road, and several males were charged. == Environment ==