Gardiner's Island

USA / New York / Springs /
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The 5 square mile island has been owned by the same family for nearly 400 years, and although occasionally reported as the largest privately owned island in America or the world, it is not. It is, however, the only American real estate still intact as part of an original royal grant from the English Crown.

In 1639, the island was settled by Lion Gardiner from a grant by Charles I as the first colonial English settlement in present-day New York state.

He established a plantation on the island for growing corn, wheat, fruit, and tobacco, as well for raising livestock. A Carpenter's Shed on the island built in 1639 is allegedly the oldest surviving wooden structure built in the state of New York.
Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gardiners_Island
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Coordinates:   41°4'34"N   72°6'36"W

Comments

  • One of, if not THE best kayak destination in the Peconic. A trip around the island, long for many, can take you back in time. The far side of the island shows little human development, and seldom has much boat traffic. As a result, a visitor will feel as if they are far more than just 100 miles from New York City. The ecological value of Gardiners Island is comprable to locations such as the Channel Islands (CA), Plum Island, or Sable Island. Development on this island would be nothing short of a disaster.
This article was last modified 14 years ago