5. South Brother Island

Across the way, within view of Rikers Island is South Brother Island. Both North Brother and South Brother were originally part of the Dutch West India Company, and from then until now, the two islands have always been etymologically connected to each other. The Dutch called them De Gesellen, which means “the companions.” Amazingly, South Brother Island was privately owned (over the years by several owners and development companies) until 2007 when it became a wildlife sanctuary. Another fun fact: it was part of Queens until 1964, when it was became part of the Bronx jurisdiction.