the island was settled by french colonists in the 18th century, who named it "île aux cochons" (hog island), after the livestock that were allowed free range. the island was once the estate of american general alexander macomb, jr., whose monument stands in the washington boulevard historic district in downtown detroit. on july 4, 1845, a historic picnic party was held on the island to change the name to "belle isle" in honor of miss isabelle cass, the daughter of then governor (general) lewis cass. the name "belle isle" (an archaic spelling of "belle île") means "beautiful island" in french.