U Thant Island

U Thant Island, officially known as Belmont Island, is a fascinating and unusual spot in the bustling cityscape of New York City. Nestled in the East River, this tiny artificial islet offers a unique glimpse into the past and present of Manhattan. Despite its small size, U Thant Island is rich in history and serves as an important sanctuary for wildlife.

A Brief History

The origins of U Thant Island date back to the 1890s when businessman William Steinway embarked on an ambitious project to construct a tunnel under the East River. The tunnel, intended to connect Manhattan to Steinway Village in Astoria, Queens, required a significant amount of excavation, resulting in the creation of a small island from the excess landfill. Steinway passed away before the tunnel's completion, but financier August Belmont Jr. saw the project through, and the island was initially named Belmont Island in his honor.

Throughout its history, the island has witnessed several noteworthy events. In 1964, a Norwegian fuel oil tanker, the Sigdal, ran aground on the island, causing a significant disruption in East River traffic. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the island was the subject of various redevelopment proposals, including a plan to connect it with Roosevelt Island to create a larger landmass featuring a bridge lined with shops and towering buildings. However, these ambitious plans never materialized.

A Sanctuary for Wildlife

Today, U Thant Island is a protected sanctuary for migrating birds. The island is home to a small colony of double-crested cormorants, a population that has more than doubled from 2000 to 2011. This sanctuary status ensures that the island remains a safe haven for these birds, free from human interference. The island's protected status also means that public access is prohibited, preserving its natural environment.

The reefs surrounding U Thant Island are popular fishing spots, particularly for those seeking striped bass. The waters around the island are teeming with marine life, making it a favorite among local anglers.

The Island's Transformation

In 1977, a group of United Nations employees and followers of the guru Sri Chinmoy adopted the island. They leased it from the New York State government, greened its surface, and unofficially renamed it U Thant Island after the former United Nations Secretary-General U Thant, who was a friend of Chinmoy. In 1982, the island was officially rededicated as U Thant Island. Today, it features a metal oneness arch that preserves personal items belonging to U Thant, serving as a tribute to his legacy.

A Beacon of Light

One of the most prominent features of U Thant Island is the 57-foot tall lighted beacon maintained by the United States Coast Guard. This beacon, designated Roosevelt Island Reef Light 17, serves as a navigational aid for vessels traveling through the East River. The beacon has undergone several iterations over the years, with the current structure standing as a testament to the island's ongoing importance in maritime navigation.

A Symbol of Protest and Creativity

U Thant Island has also been a site of symbolic protests and creative endeavors. In 1972, the island was declared Soviet Jewry Freedom Island and briefly occupied by activists protesting a United Nations speech by Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. In 1999, The New York Times Magazine staged an international competition to design a time capsule for the island, with one entry proposing a granite obelisk that would gradually disintegrate over the centuries.

During the 2004 Republican National Convention, local artist and filmmaker Duke Riley made headlines by rowing to the island under cover of darkness and proclaiming it a sovereign nation. He hoisted a 21-foot pennant depicting electric eels from the island's navigation tower, capturing the entire incident on video for a piece titled Belmont Island (SMEACC).

Conclusion

While U Thant Island may be small in size, it is undoubtedly rich in history and significance. From its origins as a byproduct of tunnel construction to its current status as a protected wildlife sanctuary, the island has played a unique role in the story of New York City. Though public access is restricted, the island's presence in the East River serves as a reminder of the city's ever-evolving landscape and the importance of preserving natural habitats amidst urban development. For those who admire it from afar, U Thant Island stands as a symbol of history, creativity, and conservation in the heart of one of the world's busiest cities.