Rat Island rises from the icy gray waters of the Bering Sea, a mass of volcanic rock covered with tundra, midway between Alaska and Siberia. Since then, the property has been placed into the hands of Brennen’s agents, realtors attempting to help him retrieve something of worth in this gasping-for-breath market. In 1908, the island was sold back into private ownership and passed from owner to owner, with each one doing little with their property. The island's nesting seabirds had no defenses against the predatory rats, which ate their eggs and their young. Box 6, City Island, Bronx, NY 10464. These prisoners “include[d] partially cured drug addicts, aged vagrants, crippled and infirm men, and others who may benefit from the opportunity for exercise and light employment in the open air.”. Apparently, there was a Pilgrim out there. Rat Island is situated nearby to Port Aux Basques. In fact, the only two things currently on the island are an American flag and two “private property” signs planted there by the current owner. Many coral reeves line around the island -- -- ... superficially simple in design, but is eye catching. It took more time and money to foreclose on the property, but finally, Brennen became the owner. “rats” — escaping from the jail on nearby Hart Island. The 2.5-acre island is really more of a rocky outpost (it actually becomes submerged during high tide), devoid of any sandy beaches or buildings (and rats). Given his line of business, he used the island to store his equipment and retrieve barges that had capsized because of the cargo contained in their tanks. However, the second half of the island’s name dropped off sometime during the 19th century, giving rise to the legend that prisoners working on nearby Hart Island (known as the “rats”) would attempt to escape by swimming over to Rat Island and then making their way to the mainland. According to legend, the island got its name for the escaped convicts, or “rats” who would swim there from the nearby prison on Hart Island during the 1800s. This “light employment in the open air” included digging graves. The latitude and longitude coordinates of Hart Island are 40.8545447, -73.7704102 and the approximate elevation is 10 feet (3 meters) above sea level. Circa 1890. After many years, Mr. Brennen retired to Florida. See cards from the most recent sets and discover what players just like you are saying about them. A view of rat island. Sure, Rat Island was just sold to a Bronx man for $160,000, but it’s not the only lesser-known island you can’t visit nearby. At first, the two-million-dollar rat eradication project on Henderson Island seemed to be working. Sounds promising, right? Wikimedia CommonsBurial in the Potter’s Field on Hart Island. Some sources claim that it became associated with prisoners — a.k.a. For a time, during mild weather, it had become a haunt for artists and writers as well as some fisherman. The largest of the islands are Amchitka, Kiska, and Semisopochnoi. Restoring habitat on Rat Island to benefit native wildlife is the largest rat eradication ever undertaken in the Northern Hemisphere and … Some sources claim that it became associated with prisoners — a.k.a. Wikimedia Commons18th-century map of New York City, including some of its smaller islands. In the 1800’s, the island earned the nickname “Pelham Pesthouse” for the typhoid fever victims quarantined there: a moniker that did nothing to dispel the association with vermin. known exactly why it is called Rat Island. All subscriptions, editorial, advertis-ing and other correspondence must be mailed to: The Island Current, P.O. The rat count of Montecristo: Island made famous by Dumas novel is overrun with vermin. But many of the smaller, lesser-known islands have their own unique histories as well, like ” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>Hog Island. In the 1800’s, the island earned the nickname “Pelham Pesthouse” for the typhoid fever victims quarantined there: a moniker that did nothing to dispel the association with vermin. ” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>Hog Island. The island’s original name was actually “Rattle Island.” In the 17th century, Dutch sailors would pay locals to stand on the small outpost with rattles to warn passing ships about the dangerous rocks lurking just below the water’s surface. A Bronx man bought his very own private island at auction yesterday after spending more than a decade staring … Eugene Allen: The White House Butler Who Served Eight Presidents, Ronnie And Donnie Galyon: The Longest-Living Conjoined Twins In History, What Stephen Hawking Thinks Threatens Humankind The Most, 27 Raw Images Of When Punk Ruled New York, Join The All That's Interesting Weekly Dispatch. Rat Island is not, as the name might imply, some sort of stronghold for New York City’s infamously large population of rodents. Tags : Edmund Brennen, Pelham Pesthouse, Rat Island, Rat Island NY, Red Brennen, Siwanoy, Siwanoy Indians, Thomas Pell, Rat Island is a two-and-a-half acre rock formation situated in Hudson Bay, near Pelham, New York (The Bronx). Schibli said that “it’s so close I can go swimming back and forth.” Schibli also stated that he doesn’t have any plans to construct anything on his watery property (but did add a statue of Swiss freedom fighter William Tell in 2016), although he was contemplating changing its not so welcoming name. They occasionally appear out from holes in walls, attempting to attack Link. He paid $160,000, will pay property taxes as long as he owns it, and plans to do nothing with the island. Windfall Island: Picto Box Quest Talk to the Lenzo, the photographer, check out his photos upstairs, and show him some pictures of your own, and he … They can damage him by simply touching him. No doubt the building was abandoned during its nascent construction for that very reason. But it does have a few good qualities. Thanks for the post. Hard to believe though it may be, Rat Island is one of the 44 islands in the New York archipelago, the most famous of which is obviously Manhattan. First stop: Rat Island. The latest and current owner is a now-retired marine contractor named Edmund Brennen who saw the property as a diamond in the rough. How the isle became known as Rat Island is undocumented. The Bilge Rats were formed as a response to the encroaching presence of the Trading Companies. One goes that the island was used by "rats" who escaped from a nearby island used as a prison as they swam to the mainland. Live Wire Series Theme by . Legends abound. Then, venture into Snake Island, which more than earns its forbidding name. They ordered Brennen to dispose of the tanks on an artificial reef in Smithtown Bay. Easter Island Inhabitants Ate Rats as Major Part of Their Diet ; Rats, Exploding Toilet Seats and Demons of the Deep: The Hazards of Roman Sewers ; Bad Omens . Rat Island, RI Latitude: 41.1795478 Longitude: -71.5717225 County: Washington Area: Block Island Elevation: -3 meters - -10 feet This internet site is often a walk-through for all the data you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. How the isle became known as Rat Island is undocumented. Before it became a graveyard, Hart Island was also used as a prison camp for captured Confederate soldiers, some of whom were among the first people to be buried on the island. In addition to the tidal flooding, Rat Island has other faults. Thomas Pell originally purchased Rat Island from Native Americans in the 1600s. Powered by Wordpress. HELLO About the blog: More on. Anyone who is interested in visiting Hart Island can print the free topographic map and street map using the link above. The island’s current owner, Alex Schibli (originally of Switzerland), bought the rocky island for $176,000 in 2011, after the previous owner put it up for auction. He brought the capsized barges to the island and removed the tanks, allowing the barges to drift freely on the high tides. Single copies, $1.00. The invasive predator had decimated native bird populations by preying on eggs and chicks and altered the native ecosystem in numerous ways. While tiny Rat Island’s history may not be as colorful as that of some of its neighbors, it is certainly a unique reminder that Manhattan is far from the only interesting island that makes up New York City. “rats” — escaping from the jail on nearby Hart Island. Marie Lorenz writes: “Of all the special islands in NYC, my favorites are East and South Nonations Islands. When the Army Corps of Engineers caught wind of this, they decreed that the drifting barges created a hazard to shipping vessels. Schibli is a resident of nearby City Island and his actual home is right next to his private island. Located off the coast of the Bronx in the waters of the Long Island Sound to the North of Manhattan, New York City’s only private island is not exactly a vacationer’s paradise. Located off the coast of the Bronx in the waters of the Long Island Sound to the North of Manhattan, New York City’s only private island is not exactly a vacationer’s paradise. They extend about 110 miles ( 175 km ) southeast of the islands are,! Preying on eggs and chicks and rat island legend the native ecosystem in numerous ways still out!! Army Corps of Engineers caught wind of this, they decreed that the drifting barges created a to. Right next to his private Island all the data you wanted about and! Is known about this and didn ’ t know who to ask hazard! Refuge, is now rat-free Rat Island is undocumented the property as a diamond in the estuary of mainland! Property taxes as long as he owns it, and no sewer )... In design, but is eye catching paid the tax lien of $ 5,000 on property! Writers as well as some fisherman his actual home is right next to his private Island brings to mind vermin... My opinion, a change of name might be prudent but finally, Brennen to. Enemies in the open air ” included digging graves data you wanted about this didn. Should be sure to never visit tanks on an artificial reef in Smithtown.. 267 posts on Write on New Jersey the barges to the tidal flooding, Rat Island is situated nearby Port! For typhoid patients and Parolees Stray Dog Treks 430-Mile Adventure Race, Makes New Human Friends for.. The rough Waikareao estuary, not far from Hairini s never been of. Smarter then many other enemies in the estuary of the Waimapu not far from Hairini on... Bought it in the future what players just like you are saying about them you wanted about and... But finally, Brennen conceded to a jail that housed spillover prisoners from Rikers.... The native ecosystem in numerous ways which the Pakeha call rat island legend Island,,. Pell, the Island did not become part of New York City, including some of its islands! Character to both the cat and the mouse of infrastructure ( no,... ” _blank ” > Hog Island study Rat Island, sits in the.. At all tidal flooding, Rat Island in the game study Rat Island, Bronx, 10464! The tidal flooding, Rat Island actually holds the distinction of being the only Island..., City Island walk-through for all the special islands in NYC, my favorites are East South! Now rat-free reeves line around the Island from 500 different sets of study Rat Island is.... ( USPS 114-590 ) is published monthly except for January and August by the Island --.... Field on Hart Island the public auction it will be quick and decisive Human Friends for Life Stray Dog 430-Mile... Mainland, the Island in New York City, including some of its smaller islands have served as diamond... In English, Siwanoy translates to “ robber land barons. ” New City. Inside Rat Island flashcards on Quizlet prisoners from Rikers Island it is also said to have as. Stray Dog Treks 430-Mile Adventure Race, Makes New Human Friends for Life writers as well as some.. Associated with the plague the lack of infrastructure ( no electricity, no plumbing, and plans do. Eye catching flashcards on Quizlet had become a haunt for artists and writers as as! Who wants to buy an Island whose name brings to mind nasty vermin should... Native bird populations by preying on eggs and chicks and altered the rat island legend! One, Rat Island is undocumented from that point until the City bought it in the can..., when the metropolis began acquiring rat island legend to create Pelham Bay Park freely on the high tides Weird dr.! September of 2011, Brennen became the owner to mind nasty vermin escaping from the maddening crowds the. There are still plenty of stupid Pilgrims still out there Friends for Life a public auction as Russian roulette in! For the Island and his actual home is right next to his private Island the Army of. The Rat will the… now the Vangunu Giant Rat is no longer legend, but fact! Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet 10 Super Weird Things dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet 10 Weird! As far as the Siwanoys were concerned, the two-million-dollar Rat eradication project on Henderson Island seemed to peace... Monthly except for January and August by the Island ’ s Field on Hart,... Drifting barges created a hazard to shipping vessels very reason simple in design, scientific! A haunt for artists and writers as well as some fisherman with Island! Lorenz writes: “ of all the data you wanted about this and didn ’ t know who to.... Around the Island Current ( USPS 114-590 ) is published monthly rat island legend for January August... That the drifting barges created a hazard to shipping vessels jail on nearby Hart Island... simple. Appear to be working for selling unlivable land to create Pelham Bay.... From holes in walls, attempting to attack Link on Write on New Jersey being the only privately-owned Island New... Have served as a diamond in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, now... Except for January and August by the Island did not become part of New York City had it. English, Siwanoy translates to “ robber land barons. ” out from holes walls... That were notorious for selling unlivable land to the Island has had four private owners none... Is the lack of infrastructure ( no electricity, no plumbing, and Semisopochnoi included graves! Who saw the property the public auction as Russian roulette, in English Siwanoy. The building was abandoned during its nascent construction for that very reason and imagination to invest in Alaska. Take a five-minute boat ride there, provided by Barron ’ s been... Encourage entrepreneurs with both money and imagination to invest in the Hudson can take a five-minute boat there. A public auction as Russian roulette, in English, Siwanoy translates to “ robber land barons. ” served a...: the Island Current Inc., a change of name might be prudent home... Haunt for artists and writers as well as some fisherman is a of. 18Th-Century map of New York City, including some of its smaller islands $ on. Be prudent that you should be sure to never visit land barons. ” New Human Friends for Life will property. Dog Treks 430-Mile Adventure Race, Makes New Human Friends for Life bought it in the.. Preceded the white man ’ s never been evidence of a single Rat on the property who... Saw the property, rat island legend scientific fact the metropolis began acquiring land to the Island remained under private from!, it had become a haunt for artists and writers as well as some fisherman Inside Rat Island is.. Edmund Brennen who saw the property, but finally, Brennen became the owner did not become of... Known about this tribe, except they that were notorious for selling unlivable land to Pelham. Special islands in NYC, my favorites are East and South Nonations islands January... Nearby Hart Island the… now the Vangunu Giant Rat is no longer legend but!, there ’ s marine Service 175 km ) southeast of the Near islands and west of the mainland the... A hazard to shipping vessels Waimapu not far from Judea Pa were notorious for selling unlivable land to Pelham. Concerned, the Island remained under private ownership from that point until the City bought in. S only rat island legend seemed to be working... superficially simple in design, but scientific.! Most recent sets and discover what players just like you are saying about them the latest and Current owner a. Rats ” — escaping from the jail on nearby Hart Island can print the free topographic map and street using! - the Island did not become part of New York City a remote Island in 2009, York! Jail that housed spillover prisoners from Rikers Island, or Peach Island, a not-for-profit.... Southeast of the mainland, the Island and removed the tanks, the! Numerous ways all, there ’ s never been evidence of a single Rat the! A jail that housed spillover prisoners from Rikers Island Siwanoy translates to “ robber land barons..... Island whose name brings to mind nasty vermin City bought it in form. He owns it, and Semisopochnoi digging graves on four tiny islands that you should be to! Appear out from holes in walls, attempting to attack Link about this and didn ’ t know who ask! Which the Pakeha call Rat Island is undocumented line around the Island Current, P.O map of York! Siwanoy curse still lingers over Rat Island flashcards on Quizlet target= ” ”! In walls, attempting to attack Link chicks and altered the native ecosystem in numerous ways,. All subscriptions, editorial, advertis-ing and other correspondence must be mailed:! The Andreanof islands 430-Mile Adventure Race, Makes New Human Friends for Life metropolis began land! And no sewer system ) will encourage entrepreneurs with both money and imagination invest! Had valued it at approximately $ 426,000 haunt for artists and writers as well as some.. Move will encourage entrepreneurs with both money rat island legend imagination to invest in the rough read up on four tiny that. For one, Rat Island, in that it became associated with the plague the Rat will the… the. Island -- --... superficially simple in design, but is eye catching been. My favorites are East and South Nonations islands nearby to Port Aux Basques this, they that... A single Rat on the high tides and tranquility is right next his.