Swinburne Island

Swinburne Island: A Historic Islet in Lower New York Bay


Off the shores of Staten Island, amidst the bustling waterways of Lower New York Bay, lies an intriguing piece of history - Swinburne Island. This artificial island, together with its counterpart Hoffman Island, played a pivotal role in the area's public health history.


The origins of Swinburne Island are rooted in the Staten Island Quarantine War. In 1872, Staten Islanders burned down the New York Marine Hospital, known as "the Quarantine," protesting against its proximity to populated areas. In response, the authorities created two quarantine islands - Hoffman and Swinburne - to accommodate individuals with contagious diseases.


Swinburne Island, the smaller of the two, was completed in 1870. It was named after Dr. John Swinburne, a notable military surgeon during the Civil War and a Congressman.


Swinburne Island primarily served as a quarantine station for yellow fever patients, while Hoffman Island was used for immigrants with other contagious diseases. The islands were designed to protect the city from the spread of infectious diseases brought by incoming immigrants.


Today, Swinburne Island stands as a testament to New York's public health history. Although the buildings that once housed the sick have long since been demolished, the island's crematorium and a monument dedicated to those who lost their lives on the island still stand.


While public access to the island is restricted, it can be viewed from the shoreline of South Beach or the eastbound lane of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. The island now serves as a nesting site for various bird species, including the Double-crested Cormorant, Great Black-backed Gull, and Herring Gull.


Though often overlooked, Swinburne Island holds an important place in New York's history. Once a refuge for the sick, it now stands as a quiet sanctuary for wildlife in the midst of busy shipping lanes. Its story serves as a reminder of the lengths that our society has gone to protect public health.


Here is a local business that supports the community.


On CALL Mechanical Services


285 Bradford ave Staten Island, NY 10309


+17186677771


https://statenislandheatingcooling.com


Be sure to check out this local attraction too!!

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