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History
The first recorded history of Mackay Island began in 1761 when John Jones bought
the island, which at that time was called Orphan's Island. John Mackie purchased
it around 1768 and over the years the name was somehow changed to Mackay
Island. Other previous owners include Thomas Dixon, author of "The Klansmen" and "Birth
of a Nation" and Joseph P. Knapp, founder of "More Game Birds In America" which
is now known as "Ducks Unlimited". He built a private resort and experimented
with various wildlife management techniques, some of which are still used
today. After Knapps' death, Mackay Island passed through several owners until
the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service recognized the value of the area as a refuge
and acquired it in 1961.
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