 Initially, in the early part of the 20th century, this reserve was made up of 10 blocks of private land, oriented in a north to south direction.It was not subject to development as it was a salty marsh.In 1946, Dr. Henry Wilkinson, medical doctor, historian, and the founder of the Bermuda Historical Monuments Trust, who owned part of this land (about 4.5 acres), converted his holdings into a reserve, adjoining the Spittal Pond Bird Sanctuary.