Check Out This Mysterious Forbidden Island In New York Where No One Has Set Foot In Half A Century

In the bustling heart of New York City, where every inch of land seems accounted for, there lies a mysterious piece of history that most have never heard of. Hidden in plain sight, just a stone's throw away from Manhattan, are two small, forbidden islands that have been abandoned for more than 60 years.

North Brother Island, along with its smaller sibling, South Brother Island, sits quietly between the South Bronx and Rikers Island. Despite being surrounded by one of the busiest cities in the world, these islands have been left to decay.

For those with a taste for adventure, the idea of visiting these islands might sound intriguing. However, even if you’re eager to explore their overgrown pathways and crumbling ruins, you won’t get far without permission. Access is strictly controlled by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, and stepping foot on either island without clearance is illegal.

North Brother Island has a haunting history. It once housed a hospital and a quarantine station. Now, the island stands frozen in time, slowly being reclaimed by nature.

If this has piqued your curiosity and you’re eager to uncover more about the haunting history of North Brother Island, scroll down to where the juicy details are.

This abandoned island has been off-limits for over 60 years

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The island’s history is as strange as it is tragic. From 1881 to 1943, North Brother Island was home to Riverside Hospital. 

The hospital was used to treat patients with highly contagious diseases like tuberculosis, smallpox, and typhoid fever— the infamous Typhoid Mary herself was quarantined there. The hospital was eventually abandoned, but the island wasn’t done serving a purpose. 

During WWII, it housed returning veterans, and later in the 1950s, it became a drug rehabilitation center for troubled youth. However, by 1964, even that closed, and the island was left to rot.

The city’s Parks and Recreation page details the history as follows:

“Humans occupied North Brother Island for 150 years. The island housed Riverside Hospital from 1881 to 1943,  WWII veterans’ housing from 1946 to 1951, and a youth drug rehabilitation center from 1952 to 1964.

“The island was also the site of the General Slocum disaster in 1904. The primary tenant on the island was the city-owned and operated Riverside Hospital, including the Tuberculosis Sanatorium and pavilions for designated illnesses, laboratories, as well as homes and dormitory facilities for doctors, nurses, and other staff members.”

Today, North Brother Island is a crumbling time capsule. Its twenty-five dilapidated buildings sit abandoned, overtaken by vines and trees, slowly decaying in the shadow of the city.

Urban historians often emphasize that abandoned sites like North Brother Island tell stories of our past, reflecting societal changes over decades. Sarah E. W. Cowen, an urban historian, notes that such islands offer a glimpse into public health crises that shaped urban development. The island served as a quarantine station and even housed a hospital, which reveals much about 19th-century health practices and societal attitudes toward disease.

Exploring these remnants can provide insights into how we handle public health today, suggesting that understanding our history is critical for future resilience.

Inside the crumbling walls of New York's long-forgotten Island

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But while the human history has faded, the island has become a haven for wildlife. In fact, the main reason it remains closed to the public is that it’s a protected nesting ground for herons, egrets, and other bird species. 

After nearly being wiped out in the 19th century due to hunting and pollution, these birds have made a comeback, and North Brother Island is now one of their safest habitats.

If you’re itching to visit this haunting piece of New York history, you’ll need a compelling academic or scientific reason – and a permit to go with it. Otherwise, North Brother Island will remain one of New York's most intriguing and inaccessible secrets.

Lessons from Abandonment

Environmental experts argue that sites like North Brother Island can be valuable for ecological recovery and urban sustainability. Dr. Michael O’Connell, an ecologist, highlights that neglect can sometimes lead to natural restoration, allowing native species to thrive in previously disturbed environments. This phenomenon offers a unique opportunity for urban planners to consider green spaces as part of city development.

Incorporating more natural habitats in urban layouts can improve biodiversity and enhance residents' quality of life, suggesting that revitalizing abandoned places could be a strategic move for city planners.

Practical Steps for Healing

In conclusion, abandoned sites like North Brother Island serve as poignant reminders of our collective history and the ongoing dialogue between urban development and ecological health. Engaging with these spaces can promote a deeper understanding of the social and environmental challenges we face today. By incorporating lessons from the past, urban planners and policymakers can create more resilient cities that respect both history and nature. The future of urban living may very well depend on how we learn from these forgotten relics.