New York City is home to one of the most mysterious and haunting places in the U.S.—Hart Island, often referred to as the “Forbidden Island.” This small landmass in the Bronx has served as a mass burial site for over a century and remains off-limits to the public.

A History of Death and Disease

Hart Island has been used as a potter’s field since the 19th century, where unclaimed bodies, homeless individuals, and prisoners have been buried in mass graves. Over one million people have been laid to rest there, making it one of the largest mass burial sites in the country.

The island was also home to a quarantine facility for tuberculosis patients and later served as a prison camp. Today, it remains largely abandoned, with decaying buildings and a haunting atmosphere.

Current Use and Public Interest

While officially closed to visitors, Hart Island has been the subject of documentaries and ghost-hunting explorations. In recent years, activists have pushed for more public access and recognition of the island’s historical significance.

For now, it remains a somber reminder of the city’s past—an island of the forgotten, shrouded in mystery.