Originally known as Toongabbie by Dharug people Rooty Hill was an important camp area as it is elevated from the creekside. It was a meeting place for Cannemegal (also known as Warmuli), Warrawarry, Gomerigal and Toongagal Clans. For European colonists, Western Sydney offered environments which reminded them of the manicured parks of England, with trees well spaced and a grassy understorey. This was largely because of Aboriginal fire management practices, though the colonists had no knowledge of this.

 In 1802 The Rooty Hill was one of the first four Government depots and stock farms sites selected by Governor King. Dharug people were pushed off land for the depot to be built.