Located on the East River between the Bronx and Riker’s Island, North Brother Island is one of the most fascinating and tragic spots in New York. From massive shipwrecks to deadly epidemics, this island has seen more death than some battlefields.

Check out this photo tour of North Brother island, and be sure to watch the spectacular video by the BBC’s YouTube channel below. It features the stunning photography of Christopher Payne from his exploration of the island in 2014.

North Brother Island was discovered by colonists in 1614. It was originally Dutch territory.

YouTube/BBC News

The Riverside Hospital was eventually converted to housing for veterans, and ultimately became a treatment center for recovering heroin addicts.

YouTube/BBC News (Christopher Payne)

The steamship, General Slocum, ran aground on the island’s shore in 1904. Over 1,000 people died in the flaming wreckage, or drowned in the surrounding waters.

YouTube/BBC News (Christopher Payne)

This disaster was the worst loss of life in New York history until the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center.

Wikimedia Commons

In 1938, the infamous Typhoid Mary was isolated against her will on the island. An Irish citizen, Mary Mallon was the person who first brought typhoid fever to the United States.

YouTube/BBC News (Christopher Payne)

She infected a vast number of people before being held on North Brother island until her death in 1938.

YouTube/BBC News (Christopher Payne)

The buildings on North Brother Island have been left largely untouched since Riverside Hospital closed in 1963.

YouTube/BBC News (Christopher Payne)

Today, North Brother Island is uninhabited, at least by humans. The island is a bird sanctuary and natural refuge.

YouTube/BBC News (Christopher Payne)

It’s an amazing glimpse into what might happen if urban landscapes were allowed to return to nature.

YouTube/BBC News (Christopher Payne)

Check out the video footage of North Brother Island today:

YouTube/BBC News

YouTube/BBC News (Christopher Payne)

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