Chimney Sweeps Islands facts for kids

The Chimney Sweeps Islands are two small islands located in New York City. You can find them in the northern part of City Island Harbor, which is in the borough of The Bronx. These islands, along with High Island, New York, help separate City Island Harbor from Pelham Bay.

The islands are made entirely of solid bedrock. No people live on them, but they are a home for many birds. You might see gulls, skuas, and great blue herons there. The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation owns the islands. They bought them in 1939 from a private group called the Chimney Sweeps Islands Corporation. This group used the islands for fun activities. Today, the islands are part of Pelham Bay Park.

What's in a Name? The Islands' Legends

Have you ever wondered how the Chimney Sweeps Islands got their name? There are two popular local stories about it!

Do They Look Like Chimney Sweeps?

One story says that if you look at the two islands from far away, they look like "chimney sweeps." A chimney sweep is a special broom or tool used to clean out chimneys. So, maybe the islands just reminded people of these tools!

A Rich Chimney Sweeper's Purchase

Another legend tells of a person who became very rich by sweeping chimneys. This wealthy person supposedly bought the islands. So, the name would come from their past job.

An Old Meaning of "Chimney"

Mr. Russell Smith, a former owner of the islands, had a different idea. He thought the name came from an old way of using the word "chimney." Long ago, "chimney" could describe how water flows between two rocks. This might explain the name if there was a special water flow around the islands.

A Home and Tavern in the Past

The Chimney Sweeps Islands were not always uninhabited. In the early 1900s, a family actually lived on the islands. They also ran a tavern there, which was a place where people could gather and buy drinks.