Hunter's Island
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
Hunter's Island is named after John Hunter who bought the island in 1804. The island's history can be traced back much further, however, as Siwanoy Indians lived on the island where they collected shells that were used for ceremonial purposes and currency. The Siwanoys sold the land in 1654 to Thomas Pell. The island was named Pell's Island before the name was changed to Pelican Island and later to Hunter's Island. When Hunter died in 1852, his son, Elias, inherited the property. The island remained in the Hunter family until 1865 when it was sold to New York City Mayor Ambrose Kingsland. The island changed hands a few more times until the City of New York acquired the property in 1889. The City connected the island to Rodman's Neck in 1937, and Hunter's Island became part of Pelham Bay Park. In 1967, New York City declared that the Island would be the Hunter Island Marine Zoology and Geology Sanctuary.
Images
Hunter's Mansion
Island Environment
Backstory and Context
Text-to-speech Audio
Hunter's Island was once inhabited by Siwanoy Indians, who collected the sea shells that washed ashore. These shells were used for ceremonial purposes, such as jewelry, and as a currency when trading goods and services. In 1654, an Englishman named Thomas Pell purchased Hunter's Island along with the rest of Pelham Bay Park from the Siwanoys. The island was named Pell's Island after he purchased it. The name was later changed to Pelican Island.
John Hunter, who was born in 1778, graduated from Columbia College in 1799. After college, he married Elizabeth Desbrosses, who came from a family of wealth. This provided Hunter with the opportunity to purchase the island, which he did in 1804. The land was bought for $40,000. While living in New York City, Hunter became a wealthy businessman and politician. In fact, he served in the New York State Senate for eight years. Thanks in part to a successful career, Hunter was able to build a mansion on the island, which he lived in until his death in 1852. In the mansion, Hunter often hosted important guests from around the world such as Joseph of Spain, the brother of Napolean Bonaparte. To the delight of his guest, the mansion was filled with fine wines and an expensive art college that included works by many of the old masters.
Hunter's Island was passed down to John Hunter's son, Elias, at the time of his death. Elias held onto the property until his death in 1865, at which time his son, John III, decided to not live on the property, so it was sold to New York City Mayor Ambrose Kingsland. The island was sold numerous times after that until 1889 when New York City bought the property for $324,000.
The City immediately put the mansion to use as it was used by the Society of Little Mothers as a children's welfare house. However, the mansion was later destroyed when Parks Commissioner Robert Moses initiated a project in 1937 that connected Hunter's Island to Rodman's neck, creating Orchard Beach. This project made Hunter's Island part of Pelham Bay Park. Later, in 1967, Hunter's Island became Hunter Island Marine Zoology and Geology Sanctuary, as declared by local law makers.
John Hunter, who was born in 1778, graduated from Columbia College in 1799. After college, he married Elizabeth Desbrosses, who came from a family of wealth. This provided Hunter with the opportunity to purchase the island, which he did in 1804. The land was bought for $40,000. While living in New York City, Hunter became a wealthy businessman and politician. In fact, he served in the New York State Senate for eight years. Thanks in part to a successful career, Hunter was able to build a mansion on the island, which he lived in until his death in 1852. In the mansion, Hunter often hosted important guests from around the world such as Joseph of Spain, the brother of Napolean Bonaparte. To the delight of his guest, the mansion was filled with fine wines and an expensive art college that included works by many of the old masters.
Hunter's Island was passed down to John Hunter's son, Elias, at the time of his death. Elias held onto the property until his death in 1865, at which time his son, John III, decided to not live on the property, so it was sold to New York City Mayor Ambrose Kingsland. The island was sold numerous times after that until 1889 when New York City bought the property for $324,000.
The City immediately put the mansion to use as it was used by the Society of Little Mothers as a children's welfare house. However, the mansion was later destroyed when Parks Commissioner Robert Moses initiated a project in 1937 that connected Hunter's Island to Rodman's neck, creating Orchard Beach. This project made Hunter's Island part of Pelham Bay Park. Later, in 1967, Hunter's Island became Hunter Island Marine Zoology and Geology Sanctuary, as declared by local law makers.
Sources
Bell, Blake A. "Historic Pelham: Article About Hunter's Island Published in 1903." Historic Pelham. 3/19/15. Accessed Web, 9/8/17. http://historicpelham.blogspot.com/2015/03/article-about-hunters-island-published.html.
"Pelham Bay Park: Hunter Island." NYC Parks. Accessed Web, 9/8/17. https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/pelham-bay-park/highlights/11859.
"Hunter Island, New York." Panoramio. Accessed Web, 9/8/17. http://www.panoramio.com/photo/44019668.
Bell, Blake A. "John Hunter of Hunter's Island in Pelham, New York." Historic Pelham. 12/2/05. Accessed Web, 9/8/17. http://historicpelham.blogspot.com/2005/12/john-hunter-of-hunters-island-in.html.
"Pelham Bay Park: Hunter Island." NYC Parks. Accessed Web, 9/8/17. https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/pelham-bay-park/highlights/11859.
"Hunter Island, New York." Panoramio. Accessed Web, 9/8/17. http://www.panoramio.com/photo/44019668.
Bell, Blake A. "John Hunter of Hunter's Island in Pelham, New York." Historic Pelham. 12/2/05. Accessed Web, 9/8/17. http://historicpelham.blogspot.com/2005/12/john-hunter-of-hunters-island-in.html.