In the East River surrounding Manhattan lies a strange and tiny island. It's so small you may not even know that it's there. To add more mystery to this place it's also forbidden to go there.

Right near the Queens Mid Town Tunnell lies the baby island known as U Thant Island. U Thant isn't as much of an island as much as it is a mound of grass poking out of the water. It's certainly not a tropical paradise. In fact, it's far from it. It's easy to miss since it's only about 200ft long. What the heck is it and why is it against the law to go there?

According to Atlas Obscura, the tiny island was named after the former United Nations Secretary, General U Thant.

The island contains two oddly shaped metal scaffolding pieces which look like a work art, although they have been transformed into a bird sanctuary. As it turns out they are actually a small Buddhist monument called a Buddhist Arch.

Apparently, a man once illegally rowed a boat to the island and declared it a sovereign nation. I know it's hard to believe but the confederation of U Thant Island did not last very long.

Have you heard of this place? Do you know anything more about it? What is it forbidden?

 

 

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