When we think of New York, famous islands like Liberty, Ellis, and Staten often come to mind. But did you know that there are islands in New York that you’re not allowed to visit? These forbidden islands hide dark, fascinating secrets. One such place is North Brother Island, a site with a haunting history that makes it one of the most mysterious spots in the city.
The Story of North Brother Island
North Brother Island is a small, eerie piece of land sitting in the East River near the Bronx. In the 1880s, it became home to Riverside Hospital, where people with highly contagious diseases like typhoid fever, tuberculosis, and polio were sent for quarantine. Back then, isolating patients was the only way to prevent the spread of such illnesses.
One of the most infamous residents of the island was Typhoid Mary, who lived in isolation there until her death in 1938. The hospital played a major role during the polio epidemic in the early 1900s, but sadly, many lives were lost to these deadly diseases. Over time, the island became a place of sorrow, as it’s believed that many who succumbed to illness were buried there.
Adding to its grim history, North Brother Island was also the site of one of New York’s deadliest tragedies: the General Slocum steamship disaster. In 1904, a fire aboard the ship caused over 1,000 people to lose their lives, either from the fire or by drowning.
During World War II, the island served a different purpose, offering treatment for wounded veterans. But today, it sits abandoned, overgrown with vegetation, and resembles a post-apocalyptic world. North Brother Island is now a protected bird sanctuary under the federal government, completely off-limits to the public. Despite this, urban explorers often risk sneaking onto the island to uncover its chilling past.
What About South Brother Island?
Close to North Brother lies South Brother Island, which has its own unique story. This smaller island is also a bird sanctuary today, but in the past, it served as New York City’s first garbage dump. Though it doesn’t have the same dark history as its northern counterpart, the idea of a garbage-filled island gives it an unpleasant reputation.
The Smallest Island: Rat Island
New York’s smallest island, Rat Island, has an unusual name that, surprisingly, has nothing to do with rodents. This tiny piece of land, just 2.5 acres in size, was named because of the rattling sound that residents used to make to warn boats of the island’s presence.
Rat Island was once a site for a sanitarium, known as the “Pelham Pesthouse,” where sick individuals were treated. Later, it became a popular escape for artists and writers. By 1938, the last house on the island was demolished.
In 2011, Rat Island was purchased at an auction by Alex Schibli, a Swiss-born man, for around $170,000. Today, it features a statue of Wilhelm Tell, a Swiss freedom fighter, along with flags, street signs, and a well-maintained area. The statue even faces the iconic Statue of Liberty, symbolizing freedom.
Although Rat Island is private property and has “No Trespassing” signs, it was once a party hotspot before Schibli took ownership.
New York’s Forbidden Secrets
The islands of North Brother, South Brother, and Rat Island reveal lesser-known, intriguing stories about New York’s history. They remind us of the city’s past challenges, from battling deadly diseases to hosting tragic events and creating artistic escapes.
While these islands remain out of reach for most people, their mysterious allure and chilling tales continue to capture imaginations. Whether it’s the haunting past of North Brother Island or the quirky transformation of Rat Island, these places prove that New York’s history goes far beyond its bustling streets and towering skyscrapers.
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