West India Quay. The area covered by the 'West India' docks comprised the largest of the original enclosed docks in the Port of London. They were built between 1802 and 1806 and cover part of the area known as the Isle of Dogs. Built originally for a 21 year monopoly of trade with the West Indies, they were later used also for India and Far East. It was not built by a shipping company, unlike the East India Docks. A Quay is a landing place for loading and unloading ships (from the Old French quai - an enclosure).

The station was opened on 31 August 1987.