Epps Island is named for the group or island of trees located on the Epps' land. Island was a term frequently used in the old days to designate large groves of trees on the prairie that offered shade and water to travelers. During the Civil War, a campground in the area was known as Epps Island. It was the stopping location for the 20th century truck farmers taking their produce into Houston and who would sell their crops in the downtown Market Square. A family lived on the eastern edge of the island, and had a large peach orchard on the edge of the prairie. Many believe the Epps family gave the area its name.

Epps Island opened on September 4, 1973.