U Thant Island
Islet on the East River in New York City
About
U Thant Island (officially Belmont Island) is a small artificial island or islet in New York City's East River, within the borough of Manhattan. The 100-by-200-foot (30 by 60 m) island, created during the construction of the Steinway Tunnel directly underneath, is the smallest island in Manhattan. The island is named after August Belmont Jr., who financed the construction of the subway tunnel, and in 1977 was dedicated to the memory of U Thant, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations. The islet contains a lighted beacon marking the southern end of Roosevelt Island Reef and is the home to a small colony of double-crested cormorants.
Nearby
More to see within walking distance
United Nations Secretariat Building
Skyscraper in Manhattan, New York
0.2 mi away
Daily News Building
Office skyscraper in Manhattan, New York
0.5 mi away
The Corinthian (Manhattan)
Residential skyscraper in Manhattan, New York
0.4 mi away
Ad Council
American nonprofit organization
0.5 mi away
Beekman Tower
Residential skyscraper in Manhattan, New York
0.5 mi away
Ralph Bunche Park
Public park in Manhattan, New York
0.3 mi awayPlaces to eat nearby
Finding places to eat…
Traveler reviews
Tickets & tours
Tickets and tours for U Thant Island
We may earn a commission from some of these links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Photos from Unsplash, Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA); facts from Wikipedia; maps © OpenStreetMap contributors, weather from Open-Meteo. Huginn’s tips are AI-written — check prices, hours and entry rules before you go.