History & Geography

Chimney Sweeps Islands

A pair of small islands in the northern part of City Island Harbor, in the Bronx. Together with High Island they divide City Island Harbor from Pelham Bay. The islands are made entirely of bedrock and are uninhabited; gulls and great blue herons are among the birds recorded there.

The origin of the name is uncertain. Local accounts say the islands resemble chimney-sweeping tools from a distance, or that a chimney sweep who became rich once bought them; a former owner suggested “chimney” was an old word for a channel of water between rocks.

Source: Wikipedia: Chimney Sweeps Islands

Pelham Bay Park

At 2,772 acres, Pelham Bay Park is the largest public park in New York City — more than three times the size of Central Park. The city acquired the land in 1887 and the park opened in 1888. The National Audubon Society lists it as one of the city’s Important Bird Areas.

Source: Wikipedia: Pelham Bay Park

Orchard Beach

Created under parks commissioner Robert Moses and inspired by Jones Beach, Orchard Beach was dedicated in July 1936 and officially opened on 25 June 1937. Landfill joined Hunter Island and the Twin Islands to Rodman’s Neck to create it.

Source: Wikipedia: Pelham Bay Park

Long Island Sound

Pelham Bay and City Island Harbor open onto the western end of Long Island Sound. The Chimney Sweeps belong to the Pelham Islands, a group that also includes City Island, Hart Island, High Island, The Blauzes and others, and are counted among the many small Bronx islands known in local folklore as the “Devil’s Stepping Stones”.

Sources: Wikipedia: Chimney Sweeps Islands; Untapped New York (2014): Chimney Sweep Islands and High Island of the Devil’s Stepping Stones

The Bronx’s maritime history

Neighbouring City Island grew from the early nineteenth century around oystering, Hell Gate pilots and, later, boatbuilding. The Nevins Boat Yard there built many yachts that competed in — and won — the America’s Cup, and sail lofts still operate on the island today.

Source: Wikipedia: City Island, Bronx

The islands’ natural landscape

Being solid bedrock, the islands have little vegetation. Kayakers use them as a resting point, and gulls and herons have long made them home. Elsewhere in the park, up to 264 bird species have been recorded, with cormorants seen off the coast of Twin Island.

Sources: Untapped New York (2014): Chimney Sweep Islands and High Island of the Devil’s Stepping Stones; Wikipedia: Pelham Bay Park