Mocobizscene-For over a hundred years, the unclaimed dead have been laid to rest on this haunting island in New York City.
And soon, the doors of this magnificent place will be open to the public, offering captivating tours for everyone to experience.
Hart Island In New York City Is the ‘Island of the Dead’
When I first discovered Hart Island, it felt like stepping into a scene from a chilling horror film. Nestled in Long Island Sound, just east of the Bronx, Hart Island serves as New York City’s public cemetery. According to a report by the New York Times, this island has fulfilled this solemn role for over a century, serving as the final resting place for the city’s unclaimed deceased.
The haunting image of morgue trucks, carrying plain, unmarked pine boxes, regularly arriving by ferry to the island is etched in my mind. Even today, around 1,100 burials take place on Hart Island each year. Notably, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the island became a site for mass burials, earning the grim moniker of the ‘Island of the Dead’ by SideNote.
Has Hart Island Always Been A Burial Ground?
Over the years, according to the New York Times, Hart Island has had a multifaceted history, serving as a prison, psychiatric hospital, training camp, and even as a prison for Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. Today, the island is home to several dilapidated buildings that are remnants of its diverse past.
New York City has always restricted public access to the infamous island. However, there is a change on the horizon. The city plans to offer guided tours and nature classes on the island to uplift its reputation and pay tribute to the individuals laid to rest there. This initiative marks a significant step in removing the stigma associated with the island.
SideNote recently shared a chilling video tour showcasing the eerie remains of the abandoned island. It is quite unsettling to witness these haunting structures, especially considering the island’s history. Take a virtual tour of the island through the captivating photos below.
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