An isolated island linked to New York City through tunnels that are off-limits for visitors.

There remain few unexplored mysteries on the uninhabited lands above the ocean’s surface, as much of Earth’s terrain has been thoroughly investigated. You might be familiar with this small island, as it stands among the few in the US that remain entirely untouched by human presence

A secluded island connected to New York City via restricted tunnels inaccessible to visitors.

Nestled in the East River near New York City, this minuscule plot of land boasts an enigmatic and fascinating history. Yet, accessing it is off-limits, so don’t plan any hiking trips there just yet.

Belmont Island, also recognized as U Thant Island, is a small floating landmass adorned with lush vegetation. However, its peculiar feature lies in the peculiar metal framework protruding from its surface.

This minute island, spanning a mere 100-by-200 feet, came into existence in the latter part of the 1800s.

Its origin traces back to William Steinway, renowned for crafting pianos, who initiated a venture in 1890 to construct tunnels facilitating trolley transportation. These tunnels aimed to connect his company town, Steinway Village, beneath the East River.

During the construction process, excavation of a shaft into the granite outcrop, known as the Man-o’-Reef, was necessary to access the tunnels. However, debris started accumulating during the work, eventually causing it to rise to the surface near the reef.

Regrettably, Steinway passed away prior to the project’s completion, leaving his vision unrealized. The endeavor was later assumed by August Belmont Jr., who successfully concluded the construction between 1905 and 1907. As a result, the island emerged transformed from its previous state of waste.

Unfortunately, tragedy struck during the construction in 1906 when four workers lost their lives in a shaft accident caused by a burst compressed air pipe.

Of the workers present in the tunnel, four men tragically didn’t survive. Two succumbed to suffocation and decompression sickness, while the remaining two tragically drowned.

The foreman and his assistant bravely ventured 20 feet below to rescue individuals in distress. They successfully saved two people and recovered the bodies of two men who succumbed to decompression sickness. However, those who drowned remain at the bottom of the tunnel.

In 1977, a Buddhist group gained control of an island and renamed it in honor of former UN Secretary-General U Thant. Originally permitted biannual access for landscaping, heightened security led to virtually no visits by the mid-1990s. Presently, public access is prohibited, preserving the area as a sanctuary for migrating birds. From the shores of Manhattan and Queens, observers can glimpse these small birds resting on the island.