New York City, a bustling metropolis, has a hidden history offshore, on its lesser-known isolation islands. These islands played a crucial role in the city's fight against one of the deadliest diseases known to humanity: smallpox. This blog post delves into the origins, purpose, closure, and legacy of these isolation islands, revealing a chapter of New York's past that shaped its public health policies and left an indelible mark on the city's landscape.
Origins: The Quarantine and the Marine Hospital
In the late 18th century, as New York City grappled with the threat of infectious diseases brought by ships, the state-sponsored New York Marine Hospital, colloquially known as the Quarantine, was established in 1799 on Staten Island[1]. The location was strategically chosen for its relative isolation, while providing easy access to the harbor, and crucial for intercepting incoming ships carrying diseases like yellow fever, cholera, and smallpox[1].
Purpose: A Shield Against Contagion
The primary purpose of the Quarantine was to prevent the spread of infectious diseases from arriving immigrants and sailors to the city's population. During the 1850s, with a massive influx of immigrants, the facility saw as many as eight thousand patients in a year[1]. Before vaccines, the Quarantine was the city's first line of defense, albeit controversial, as it raised questions about civil liberties and communal responsibility[1].
Closure: The Burning of the Quarantine
Staten Islanders never welcomed the Quarantine. They feared disease outbreaks and blamed the facility for any illnesses on the island[1]. Their resentment culminated in the violent events of 1858, when a mob, incited by local property owners, burned down the quarantine buildings[1]. This act of vigilantism forced authorities to relocate quarantine facilities to offshore islands, such as Swinburne and Hoffman Islands, which were man-made and built after cholera plagues in the 19th century[6].
Legacy: From Isolation to Conservation
The legacy of New York's smallpox isolation islands is complex. While they were once sites of fear and disease, today, some like North Brother Island, have transformed into places of conservation[5]. After serving various roles, including a quarantine hospital and a drug treatment center, North Brother Island is now a bird sanctuary, protecting species like the black-crowned night heron[5]. The island's ruins are a testament to the city's public health history and its evolution over time.
Conclusion: Remembering the Isolation Islands
The history of New York City's smallpox isolation islands is a narrative of fear, resilience, and transformation. It reminds us of the city's ongoing struggle to balance individual freedoms with the health and safety of the community. As we walk the streets of New York, we may not see these islands, but their stories are an integral part of the city's rich tapestry, echoing the challenges and triumphs of a metropolis that has continually risen above adversity.
Sources and Additional Reading:
[1] Stephenson, K. "When New Yorkers Burned Down a Quarantine Hospital." Public Health Reports, vol. 119, no. 1, 2004, pp. 79-92. Sage Publications, Inc. Accessed on JSTOR Daily. Available at:
[2] The History of Smallpox and Its Spread Around the World. Available at:
[3] Boyd, Robert T., "Smallpox in the Pacific Northwest: the First Epidemics" (1994). Anthropology Faculty Publications and Presentations. 141.
[4] North Brother Island: Balancing Ecology and Cultural Heritage. Available at:
[5] Islands of the Undesirables: North Brother Island. Available at:
[6] 10 Quarantine Islands and Lazarettos. Available at:
--------------------------------
Thank you for reading! If you like what we researched for you and presented in this blog post, and would like to read more blog posts like this, please consider signing up for email updates by