5. Scylla Point on Wards Island

Scylla Point was previously called “Negro Point,” according to the New York Times. Although there is no definitive agreement on how the name came into common usage, “Negro Point” appeared on maps and charts since 1861. In 2001, Parks Commissioner Henry J. Stern renamed the area “Scylla Point” after a sea monster in Greek lore. This name coordinates with that of “Charybdis Playground” in Astoria Park on the other side of Hell Gate. Charybdis was another Greek sea monster who was paired with Scylla.