New York’s Private Island Is Strictly Off Limits to Outsiders!

Nestled in the heart of Gardiner’s Bay, off the eastern tip of Long Island, Gardiner’s Island lies quietly. Known as New York’s private island, this land has belonged to a single family for nearly four centuries. The island has been owned by the Gardiner family and their descendants since 1639. Strictly off-limits to outsiders, it ranks as one of the most intriguing private properties in the United States. It is steeped in history, mystery, and natural beauty.

In 1639, Lion Gardiner, the first to settle on the island was given the “right to possess the land forever,” through a Royal patent. Despite its seclusion, Gardiner’s Island has witnessed significant historical events. It also hosted notable figures from colonial times to the present day. Let’s dive into the rich history of this remarkable island.

Geography and Location

Gardiner’s Island sits in Gardiner’s Bay, located between the two peninsulas at the eastern end of Long Island, New York. It covers approximately 5.19 square miles (13.4 km²). This makes it one of the largest privately owned islands in the United States. Furthermore, the island stretches 6 miles (9.7 km) in length and 3 miles (4.8 km) in width. Also, it boasts 27 miles (43 km) of untouched coastline.

The island’s landscape features a mix of old-growth forests, meadows, and wetlands. It hosts over 1,000 acres (400 hectares) of forests. This includes the largest stand of white oak trees in the northeastern United States. Additionally, the island supports diverse wildlife, most notably New York state’s largest colony of ospreys. They nest on the ground due to the absence of natural predators. This ecological haven has earned recognition as a National Natural Landmark due to its unique habitats and significant role in bird breeding.

Early History and Ownership

English engineer and colonist Lion Gardiner purchased Gardiner’s Island in 1639 from the Montaukett chief Wyandanch. The deal included “a large black dog, some powder and shot, and a few Dutch blankets.” Initially, Gardiner named the island the Isle of Wight due to its resemblance to the Isle of Wight in England. He then quickly transformed the island into a plantation. Consequently, Lion Gardiner became the “Lord of the Manor,” and the island received a royal patent in 1639, granting Gardiner and his descendants the right to possess the land “forever.”

The Gardiner family has owned the island for over 380 years, thus making it one of the oldest family-owned properties in the United States. Over the centuries, the island has remained largely unchanged, preserving its natural landscape and historic structures.

Colonial and Revolutionary Eras in New York’s Private Island

During the colonial period, Gardiner’s Island operated independently, free from the direct governance of the surrounding British colonies. This autonomy continued even when the British invaded New Netherlands and established the Province of New York. Even after New York’s establishment, Gardiner’s Island maintained a level of independence until after the American Revolution, when it was formally annexed to the town of East Hampton.

The island played a minor yet fascinating role in the American Revolution. The Gardiners sided with the colonists, leading to British forces raiding the island. During this time, Major John André, a British officer later executed for spying with Benedict Arnold, visited the island. The Gardiners’ hospitality during the Revolution helped maintain the island’s standing and its owners’ safety despite the ongoing conflict.

The Legend of Captain Kidd

One of the most famous legends associated with New York’s private island is that of Captain William Kidd, a notorious pirate and privateer. In 1699, Kidd anchored off the island and, with the permission of the Gardiners, buried a cache of treasure as he sailed to Boston to face charges of piracy. This treasure, which included gold dust, bars of silver, Spanish coins, and jewels, was later recovered by the authorities and used as evidence in Kidd’s trial.

Today, a plaque on the island marks where Kidd’s treasure was allegedly buried. Consequently, the Gardiner family’s account of this event has added to the island’s mystique and fueled tales of hidden pirate treasure that have persisted for generations.

New York’s Private Island in the 19th and 20th Centuries

In the 19th century, Gardiner’s Island continued to be a unique fixture in New York’s landscape. Julia Gardiner, who later became the second wife of President John Tyler and the First Lady of the United States, was born on the island in 1820. The family maintained its manor house and other historic structures, which have become symbols of New York’s private island’s storied past.

During the War of 1812, the island found itself amid conflict as British forces used its strategic location to launch raids on American shipping. Despite these incursions, the island remained under the control of the Gardiner family, who continued to manage its lands and maintain its independence.

In the early 20th century, Sperry Rand briefly leased Gardiner’s Island for high-level meetings. The island’s privacy and isolation make it ideal for discreet corporate gatherings. In 1937, due to the high cost of upkeep, the island was put up for sale but remained in the family after Sarah Diodati Gardiner, a wealthy family member, purchased it.

Modern Era and Conservation Efforts

Gardiner’s Island entered the modern era as a rare example of a private estate unchanged by time. In 1967, it received designation as a National Natural Landmark, recognizing its unique ecological value. However, maintaining the island’s pristine condition has not been without challenges. The island requires significant financial resources for maintenance and taxes, leading to family disputes over its future.

In recent years, the island’s ownership has been the subject of legal battles between family members, with concerns about its upkeep and the possibility of development or sale. Nevertheless, despite these challenges, the island remains a private sanctuary, off-limits to the public, and fiercely protected by its owners. The current owner is Alexandra Creel Goelet. She inherited it from her mother Alexandra Gardiner Creel.

Conclusion

Gardiner’s Island stands as a testament to the history and heritage of the United States, offering a rare glimpse into a world largely untouched by modernity. As New York’s private island, it continues to intrigue historians, nature lovers, and those fascinated by its storied past and legendary secrets. While it remains strictly off-limits to outsiders, the island’s legacy as a privately owned, historical, and ecological treasure endures, guarded by the Gardiner family’s commitment to preserving its unique character for future generations.

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