#10: North Brother Island

Nestled in The Bronx, New York City, North Brother Island has a storied history. It first provided refuge to survivors of the General Slocum shipwreck in 1904, a tragedy that claimed over a thousand lives. Later, the island transformed into Riverside Hospital, a quarantine facility for those with contagious diseases, including the infamous Typhoid Mary.

Eventually, the hospital closed, and the island was abandoned. Today, North Brother Island is a protected bird sanctuary home to various species, especially herons. Its rich, layered past and current status as a haven for wildlife make it a unique and intriguing part of New York City.

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