Nature Is Reclaiming This Island Of Ruins In New York
Located on the East River between the Bronx and Riker’s Island, North Brother Island is one of the most fascinating and tragic spots in New York. From massive shipwrecks to deadly epidemics, this island has seen more death than some battlefields.
Check out this photo tour of North Brother island, and be sure to watch the spectacular video by the BBC’s YouTube channel below. It features the stunning photography of Christopher Payne from his exploration of the island in 2014.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
North Brother Island was discovered by colonists in 1614. It was originally Dutch territory.
The steamship, General Slocum, ran aground on the island’s shore in 1904. Over 1,000 people died in the flaming wreckage, or drowned in the surrounding waters.
In 1938, the infamous Typhoid Mary was isolated against her will on the island. An Irish citizen, Mary Mallon was the person who first brought typhoid fever to the United States.
