U Thant Island

Astoria, US

U Thant Island
U Thant Island
Location
Astoria, US
Category
national parks nature reserves
Coordinates
40.746642, -73.964332
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check the local forecast before visiting.

Overview

U Thant Island, officially known as Belmont Island, is a small, man-made island located in the East River between Manhattan and Queens in New York City. While often associated with the Astoria waterfront due to its proximity, this tiny landmass holds a unique place in the city's history. Created from the excavated debris during the construction of the Steinway Tunnel in the early 20th century, the island was originally intended to support a ventilation shaft for the subway system. Today, it remains an intriguing site for those looking for unique places to visit while exploring the East River corridor. The island is not open to the public, as it serves as a protected sanctuary for migratory birds, particularly the double-crested cormorant. Visitors can observe the island from the shorelines of Gantry Plaza State Park or during boat tours navigating the river. It was renamed in 1977 in honor of U Thant, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, by followers who sought to establish it as a site for meditation and peace. For those planning trip ideas in the area, the island offers a fascinating glimpse into the unintended consequences of urban infrastructure projects. While you cannot set foot on the island, its silhouette against the Manhattan skyline provides a distinct perspective on the intersection of industrial engineering and wildlife conservation within a dense urban environment.

General information

U Thant Island, officially known as Belmont Island, is a small, man-made island located in the East River between Manhattan and Queens in New York City. While often associated with the Astoria waterfront due to its proximity, this tiny landmass holds a unique place in the city's history. Created from the excavated debris during the construction of the Steinway Tunnel in the early 20th century, the island was originally intended to support a ventilation shaft for the subway system. Today, it remains an intriguing site for those looking for unique places to visit while exploring the East River corridor. The island is not open to the public, as it serves as a protected sanctuary for migratory birds, particularly the double-crested cormorant. Visitors can observe the island from the shorelines of Gantry Plaza State Park or during boat tours navigating the river. It was renamed in 1977 in honor of U Thant, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, by followers who sought to establish it as a site for meditation and peace. For those planning trip ideas in the area, the island offers a fascinating glimpse into the unintended consequences of urban infrastructure projects. While you cannot set foot on the island, its silhouette against the Manhattan skyline provides a distinct perspective on the intersection of industrial engineering and wildlife conservation within a dense urban environment.

Did you know

  • The island is officially named Belmont Island after August Belmont Jr., who financed the construction of the Steinway Tunnel.
  • It is a protected sanctuary for double-crested cormorants.
  • The island is strictly off-limits to humans to preserve the bird habitat.

History

U Thant Island was created between 1892 and 1907 as a byproduct of the construction of the Steinway Tunnel, which carries the 7 subway line beneath the East River. The island was formed from the excavated earth and rock dumped into the river. Originally known as Belmont Island, it fell into disuse for decades. In 1977, the island was unofficially renamed U Thant Island by a group of United Nations employees who were followers of the Secretary-General. They sought to transform the site into a place for meditation, even installing a time capsule on the island, though the name was never officially adopted by the city government.

Cultural significance

The island serves as a curious intersection of municipal infrastructure and international diplomacy. Its renaming in 1977 transformed a piece of industrial waste into a symbolic site representing global peace and the ideals of the United Nations. While it lacks public access, it remains a point of interest for local historians and urban explorers who view it as a testament to the city's ability to repurpose forgotten spaces. The island's status as a bird sanctuary further adds a layer of environmental significance, highlighting how even the most artificial of landscapes can be reclaimed by nature in a bustling urban environment.

Geography and landscape

U Thant Island is situated in the East River, positioned between the United Nations Headquarters in Manhattan and the Hunters Point neighborhood in Queens. It is a small, rocky protrusion measuring approximately 100 by 200 feet. The landscape is largely defined by the concrete ventilation shaft that rises from its center, serving as a stark reminder of the tunnel network below. The surrounding waters are subject to strong tidal currents, which isolate the island from human interference. The terrain is rugged and largely unmanaged, providing an ideal, undisturbed nesting ground for regional bird populations.

More facts

  • Imported from OSM batch

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