Hart Island: New York City’s Isle of the Forgotten

Hart Island, a small, isolated island in the Long Island Sound, off the coast of the Bronx in New York City, holds a unique place in the history of the city and the nation. Spanning just over a mile in length and less than a quarter of a mile wide, this island has served various purposes since its acquisition by the city in 1868, most notably as the location of the largest public cemetery in the United States. Its history reflects the changing attitudes towards poverty, disease, and death in New York City, as well as the broader societal trends over the centuries.

Early History and Military Use

Originally inhabited by Native Americans, Hart Island became a location of interest to Europeans following their arrival in the area. During the 19th century, the island was used for military training, and it played roles in the Civil War, serving as a prison camp for Confederate soldiers, a disciplinary barracks for Union troops, and a training ground. Its strategic location made it ideal for these purposes, and this military use continued sporadically through World War II, reflecting the nation’s changing military needs over time.

Public Burial Ground

The most enduring and perhaps the most significant use of Hart Island has been as a potter’s field. Since 1869, the city of New York has used Hart Island to bury its unclaimed and indigent dead, a practice that continues to this day. It is estimated that over one million people have been buried on the island, making it one of the largest cemeteries in the United States. The dead include the homeless, the unidentified, stillborn infants, and those whose families could not afford a private burial.

Social and Health Services

Throughout its history, Hart Island has also been the site of a tuberculosis sanatorium, a boys’ reformatory, a workhouse, and a missile base. Each of these uses reflects the social and political concerns of the time, from public health initiatives to juvenile justice reform and national defense.

Restricted Access and the Future

For much of its history, Hart Island has been difficult to access, with the city limiting visits to those with relatives buried on the island and requiring a police escort. This restricted access has contributed to the island’s aura of mystery and has been a source of anguish for those wishing to visit the graves of loved ones. However, in recent years, there has been a push towards making the island more accessible to the public, and in 2019, control of Hart Island was transferred from the Department of Correction to the Department of Parks and Recreation, signaling a potential shift in how the island is used and perceived.

Hart Island’s history is a mirror reflecting New York City’s evolving attitudes towards death, poverty, disease, and incarceration. From its early days as a training ground and prison for soldiers, to its long-standing role as the city’s potter’s field, Hart Island serves as a poignant reminder of the city’s complex history. As New York continues to evolve, the story of Hart Island reminds us of those who have been marginalized and forgotten, underscoring the importance of remembering and honoring all aspects of the city’s past.