1858 Staten Island Quarantine War

In 1800, the state of New York established a marine hospital on Staten Island used to quarantine passengers entering New York harbor who showed signs of illness. Residents opposed "the Quarantine" from the start. By 1858, they had had enough. The History Guy remembers the 1858 Staten Island Quarantine War.
This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As images of actual events are sometimes not available, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.
All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram.
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Script by THG
#ushistory #thehistoryguy #NewYorkCity

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

A few viewers have noticed that I mention the Great Plague of Athens as "1500 years ago" when that should actually be about 2500 years ago. I am sorry for the error.

[@Mcbunaen]

Based on what a professor of history told me in 1973, "about 2547 years ago" would be more accurate.

[@Ni999]

Probably a good idea to pin this comment. (Edit - _your comment, THG not literally _*_this_*_ comment._ Yes. Yes I did just head off a pedantic reply at the pass.)

[@loki2240]

Time flies, when you're recounting history...

[@Ni999]

@@Mcbunaen Don't trust everything you were taught in the 70s, nearly five decades of research and technological advances since has led to a lot of refinements and not just in history. _The plague of Athens: epidemiology and paleopathology. - PubMed - NCBI_ www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/19787658/

[@chiconian49]

Gee, it seems like it happened yesterday.

[@tomreiche6225]

Well this episode just got a whole lot more relevant.

[@patrickmalone1373]

Even more so today with armed morons marching on a state Capitol

[@bernardenorth]

@@patrickmalone1373 and now what.... and 6 months from now lol

[@bernardenorth]

@@patrickmalone1373 riots in the streets of our civilized Nations

[@jordaneggerman4734]

@@bernardenorth yeah, "civilized".... psh, I knew as soon as McDonald's was deemed "essential" that this was gonna get ugly. Believe me, as more or less managerial janitorial staff, I was deemed essential, and all I could think about was being the point of contact between dozens of local law offices, automotive shops, and even a daycare, which were all also deemed essential.

[@angrypug9841]

I know right.

[@georgef551]

Little did "History Guy" know, two months after posting this video.......

[@philiphicks1273]

Because, like everyone who isn’t the leader of a failed state (sorry, about that) he knew what was already under way.

[@georgef551]

@@philiphicks1273 Some were long ahead of the curve.

[@dannypozner5696]

Yep

The History Guy is also The Future Guy

[@OutdorsDanny]

That was about the same time they were setting brand new hospitals on fire in Wu Han

[@jamesstubbs1884]

I was born on Staten Island in 1958 (100 years after these events) and never heard this story. I am constantly amazed at the history revealed in theses videos. What a great channel!!!

[@bigblue6917]

It's surprising the history right under your feet.

[@Rico_G]

Hey James, 1962 for me and I've never heard about this either!. However I did grow up near, and as teens we used to hang out at the defunct tuberculosis sanatorium at Seaview, so I am not surprised. It's great to learn about this stuff and I love this channel as well!

[@rodchallis8031]

Big Blue: I grew up in a new subdivision in London, Ontario, in the 60's. Everything was new, and even though I was always interested in History in school, and my marks showed it, I never thought there was "History" where I lived. But, there was an old building at Adelaide and Commissioners that was a stop off in the Underground Railroad. And before that, as a Tavern, local Rebels in the 1837 Rebellion in Upper Canada met there and hatched plots. The railroad that ran through the woods behind our school (London and Port Stanley Railroad) is the third oldest in all of Canada. So yeah. It's right under your feet.

[@TJY-mb5hk]

Native Islander...born in 71. I knew about the quarantines on Swinburne and Hoffman islands, but never knew about this. I wonder if that Dr Bayley is the namesake of the old Bayley Seton Hospital?

[@augsdoggs]

Tracy Young I would reason so. He died there of an infectious disease himself. And The Quarantine (previously Marine Hospital) is the same location that would eventually become Bayley Seton Hospital. I was born at the old Staten Island Hospital on Castleton in ‘74.

[@wholeNwon]

Today one can walk through the cemeteries in Phila. to read the tombstones of those who died during the yellow fever epidemics, including those of physicians who remained in the city to try to help those who were suffering. Very moving.

[@commodoresixfour7478]

This content is so good it should be on PBS. Practically the only broadcast channel I watch.

[@mr.h5436]

Exactly!

[@torqued666]

Same.

[@fck45]

@Phil Ill BS!

[@emansnas]

Doesn't qualify for PBS... inadequate lefty content.

[@kjer6071]

Anyone who relies on only one source of information has handicapped themselves. Good Luck!

[@thejakyl1369]

What a great way to start the day, with a history lesson from The History Guy. No matter what happens today, I walk away having learned something new!

[@pantherplatform]

Interesting name. Does that mean you don't have face tattoos and don't spit your tobacco juice on the sidewalk so people don't have to step in it? Thanks.

[@thejakyl1369]

@@pantherplatform Among other things, yes. Yes it does.

[@pantherplatform]

@@thejakyl1369 awesome.

[@MF-LXRD]

Okay boomers.

[@13BGunBunny]

@@MF-LXRD Thank you, Boomer.

[@IggyWon]

Good timing on this one, bud.

[@tommypetraglia4688]

2:46 Nice woodcut print showing the Ark of the Covenant with the 2 wing-ed angels perched on top

[@RobertWoodman]

An excellent episode, History Guy. Your love of history is infectious, and since I often share your videos with family and friends, I suppose it is also contagious.

[@Stevenowski]

I became interested in American history due to my High School history teacher being from Poland! She was a FANTASTIC teacher. 40 some years later, I still have a passion for history. Thanks for the video!

[@jupitercyclops6521]

I had a great history teacher too. He was so right on about so many things. I just quoted him a few days ago regarding systems of gov & how it doesnt really matter what system u have, it's the amount of corruption in the system. (We're screwed )

[@poetnathan26]

One of The Best Channels on KZbin!

[@Thunderstixx77]

James Doohan please !!! If anyone deserves to be remembered for all that he did, it is James Doohan !!!!! Thanks for the great stuff to chew on !!!

[@DJRonnieG]

His D-Day story is pretty badass.

[@jupitercyclops6521]

@@DJRonnieG I've never heard of the guy. A good family friend (the kind who is family,just not in law or blood) Told me his D-Day experience (I wish I would have asked him more. But..) They boarded landing crafts. The Landing crafts would go round and round in circular patterns until they were ordered to land. (The whole time, germans were taking pot shots at them) Well, his LC got the go ahead to land, but the guy driving the boat ignored it. He didnt know what or why, but he said "that was fine with me. We just stayed out there in the ocean going around in circles. They kept telling us to make land and the driver kept not hearing it!" RIP George!!!

[@DJRonnieG]

@@jupitercyclops6521 lol that's a hilarious story and I dont blame him for not wanting to go on that beach! Doohan is the guy who played Scotty on Star Trek.

[@jupitercyclops6521]

@@DJRonnieG thanks for the reply. George was 1 heck of a guy. I dont blame him for not questioning the Captain of the vessel, besides, (that would be mutany) Scotty was from the good Star Trek in my opinion. I didnt know he served. I'll have to check out his D day story.

[@DJRonnieG]

@@jupitercyclops6521 yeah, he was in the Canadian service. I seen an interview which probably originated from a DVD box set or documentary where he spoke of his d-day experience. I'd tell you more but I dont want to ruin the surprise parts for you.

[@hanshuckebein6260]

This video was ahead of its time.

[@surlygirly1926]

I commend The History Guy for reviewing his viewers' comments, and correcting any errors or oversights. Thank you! There are other documentary sites that remain silent and impervious, and let their mistakes remain in place - certainly a disservice to viewers and historical accuracy. So, again, kudos to THG.

[@rampart55]

Wow, that's interesting. I was born and raised on Staten Island, In fact I was Born in 1955 at Marine Hospital which at that Time was a military Hospital like a V.A. Hospital

[@tomjohnson7988]

I was born in the same hospital in '62.

[@Rascal356000]

Thank you History Guy for finishing what public school didn't.

[@agolftwittler1223]

Yet another great opload. Thank you.

[@fred6059]

Funny that you should bring this up with the current Covid 19 quarantine.

[@fluxcapacitor1621]

@Jonathan Williams. Closing the border was an ineffective half measure. Trump was accused of being a racist because he didn't do anything else which is the reason that the US leads the world in coronavirus. It will go away in April!

[@davidmurphy8190]

It is now August 2021 and Biden is lost.

[@mathisstone4159]

My god! This video touches on everything that started happening two months after it was posted!

[@jamesgoetzke9509]

Thanks History Guy. Your delivery and content is very polished. A cut above average KZbin videos. Keep up the good work.

[@Monster11B]

Another excellent presentation. You are a gem, Sir.

[@godzilla932]

Really enjoy this series, thank you

[@jeannemarie3704]

Love your channel Mr History Guy!!

[@lawrencecaile]

We can always go forward stronger by remembering history.

[@blackcorp0001]

Always fascinating and well presented :) have a great 2020 !

[@bradhobbs6196]

Very prescient, and relevant. Thanks, HG

[@mikewilliams5615]

Sir, I have always loved History. You make it badass and profoundly compelling to learn more. Please keep sharing and educating all of us. You ROCK!

[@stuartofJax]

Thanks for producing the great videos you do!

[@dartharpy9404]

Thank you History Guy👍

[@russwoodward8251]

Thank you for the research as well as the very fine presentation.

[@jamesstumpf75]

Loved it!! Thank you!

[@DogWalkerBill]

I live on Staten Island NY and found your history entertaining!

[@ushillbillies]

REALLY enjoy your vids !!

[@davidthedeaf]

Very interesting. I would like to know more about the murder of the single staff person during this riot by another staff member who had a score to settle. Was there a trial, and what was the story behind that?

[@jomiddleton3455]

Thanks for your wonderful videos they are very informative about things I didn’t know

[@cjmoore7240]

Great piece of History! KEEP ON ROCKING!

[@ouroboris]

Thanks for another informative and entertaining segment. Keep up the good work!

[@25jessieg]

So glad your channel popped up in my recommended a while back. Love your stuff. I know folks makes suggestions all the time, but I think I have something you would be perfect for. Or I guess, would be perfect for you? The Conch Republic. It's one of those strange things that definitely should not be forgotten history :) Love your stuff....keep it up!

[@jillhill5421]

Great video

[@rickhobson3211]

Timely and interestiing!

[@tpobrienjr]

Thanks for the great story of the quarantine war. Also, thanks for displaying in the background a model of the F4U Corsair, an amazing warbird.

[@rebe1959]

I love history and I love the sound of your voice. Please keep up the good work. I do so enjoy your videos!

[@robertreisner8132]

I always enjoy your podcasts, and give you a thumbs up. From the deep south in the far north.

[@SunnnyDay]

Great segment, fantastic channel ! Wondering about an incident near my Grandparents home town in 1943, know as the "Air raid on Bari"....wouldn't mind seeing a segment on that someday !

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Interesting event- we'll add it to our list of topics. Thanks!

[@curtdenson2360]

Wake up America President Trump is right again, go back to Work our hospital systems can handle it in all Red States, Quarantine All Blue State

[@mik_88]

This was a good one!

[@sonofcong]

Very timely and interesting

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

Typhus Yellow Ribbon around the Old Oak Tree!🎼 Yes I did it . I went way back into time!

[@jbmbryant]

LMAO!

[@mr.h5436]

"...it's been three long years, are you still sickening?"

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

@@mr.h5436 Yes I am Youngling! 🤧 GOD BLESS YOU

[@bronzeageancientone4844]

This gent is awesome. Love me some history!

[@JohnXOsterman]

Good job!

[@johnwalters191]

I enjoy your videos with a passion! I also get a kick out of the moving placement of the Nuclear Danger sign - I never know where I am going to find it in each video! --- Thanks!

[@markward5729]

Part of the quarantine station is currently a Coast Guard station doing port security for NYC. Still some old private buildings standing and a historical information sign by the front gate. From the river you can see the large words "Quarantine" marked into the hill above the docks.

[@TheHylianBatman]

Fascinating indeed! I could've guessed there was a mini-war during these tumultuous times, but I had no idea. Very interesting to know that the state had procedures for illness, but the citizens didn't like it. I wonder what became of the ill. I wonder how this relates to the ownership disputes of Staten Island between New York and New Jersey, if at all.

[@nathangreer8219]

Classic case of NIMBY

[@MashMonster69]

@tRumpVIRUS=U never irritate men by yourself. No, seriously, I have no clue what it means either. I read your text in the hope you'd explain it......

[@MashMonster69]

Actually, it's "not in my back yard."

[@robrod3097]

Mr history Man... Well timed history lesson... I hope that in couple of 100 years there will be someone that takes the amazing task that your carrying now to continue in keeping alive the history that you bring forth to us... Great lessons through you sir...my deepest respects for you and great heart with such an awesome mind...

[@terryansell6641]

Very interesting video thank you from New Zealand

[@flinko99]

Oh wow, I was just reading about this walking up Central Park!

[@wernerheenop]

Great episode, as always. Can you perhaps do one on Jan Smuts?

[@thefpvlife7785]

Fantastic history which most never knew. Thank you Sir.

[@curtdenson2360]

Wake up America President Trump is right again, go back to Work our hospital systems can handle it in all Red States, Quarantine All Blue State

[@HeadPack]

Yes, I did enjoy it. What an amazing narrator you are. Each episode is exceptionally well scripted too.

[@curtdenson2360]

Wake up America President Trump is right again, go back to Work our hospital systems can handle it in all Red States, Quarantine All Blue State

[@BuzzinVideography]

I had no idea this was a thing. But alas; you amaze me again.

[@carlthornton3076]

Very Good!!!

[@TravisGilbert]

I aspire to explain things as well as you do from one creator to another great job!

[@jesseemerson4735]

commie nazi why and the FUCK would you say something like that? What an asshole

[@curtdenson2360]

Wake up America President Trump is right again, go back to Work our hospital systems can handle it in all Red States, Quarantine All Blue State

[@groermaik]

Fear can be a powerful thing. Thanks.

[@goodun2974]

Grover Maik, love is much more powerful than fear, but it is far less contagious.

[@laurietuzzato5501]

Always always enjoy

[@SVImpavidus]

Well you learn something new everyday! Thanks for sharing. Ant, Cid & the Pooch crew.

[@1gumbah]

You are the cats meow my friend! Keep up the marvelous work!

[@philwu7620]

Thank you for sharing this story about Staten Island. Love the channel. Would you consider doing a segment on Fort Wadsworth. Some consider it to be the location of the"last shot fired in the American Revolution"

[@tubehound8]

Thank you @History Guy Go history

[@robinsites9790]

I really enjoy your videos. Have you ever done anything on Quentin Roosevelt.? Definitely history worth remembering

[@MrGBrooks9]

Wow... JANUARY 2020.... and you got it completely right !!!

[@FollowingUsernamesR]

This may be the most fascinating history channel on KZbin. I love the subjects you choose, and the bowtie (everyone knows bowties are cool).

[@roncotton7963]

Hey that Quarantine facility was rebuilt and became Arkham asylum in Gotham the TV show and now you know

[@curtdenson2360]

Wake up America President Trump is right again, go back to Work our hospital systems can handle it in all Red States, Quarantine All Blue State

[@roncotton7963]

Curt Denson what ya loser

[@phredphlintstone6455]

Ronald Cotton , and knowing is half the battle!

[@dugroz]

@@phredphlintstone6455 "G.I. Joe!!!"

[@kennethhigdon1159]

And knowing is half the battle

[@maryerb6062]

That was heavy-duty. New York was quite a mess. I have never seen it so thanks for the visuals. It absolutely deserves to be remembered.

[@erinrising2799]

crazy that you posted this in January, like way to be ahead of the current events

[@moeshouse575]

this reminds me of a saying. " how do you know where you are going if you dont know where you have been.?

[@rabbi120348]

How can you be in two places at once, when you're not anywhere at all?

[@billysolhurok5542]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGbQiGRoZZ6psKc&feature=emb_logo

[@sirsmokeefortwence25]

This is eerily relevant. I know you probably made this because of Covid, but look at us now. History truly is doomed to repeat itself.

[@stephenandersen4625]

as a native Staten Islander it was great to hear this story. i actually earned about it 2 days earlier on Forgotten Weapons when Ian was talking about the unusual gun handed out to the troops protecting the facility

[@martind349]

Bug sprayin in the burroughs on days history deserves to be remembered, gives the newspaper an extra twist

[@dbeaus]

As kid in the 50's in Chicago, I remember the mosquito spraying twice a year, Giant spray trucks would come and spray the trees. Which I wondered about since mosquitoes aren't in trees. We weren't told what they were spraying because in the mid 50's, it was probably DDT.

[@kathleenparr7401]

I Wonder What Conditions in NY at this Moment Will Be History! You have the Greatest Channel!

[@curtdenson2360]

Wake up America President Trump is right again, go back to Work our hospital systems can handle it in all Red States, Quarantine All Blue State

[@joegibson4946]

In 1988, I was given a tour of Ellis Island while it was being renovated by the Park Service. There is a medical theater where doctors from New York City would sit and watch autopsies being performed. I also saw the wards where the quarantined immigrants were treated. As an aside, there were still rooms of luggage and other belongs of the immigrants - including a piano - still in storage.

[@skieast3631]

Suggestion - forget if I suggested this but "The Great Molasses Flood" OR "The Boston Molasses Flood" 1919. Love the videos. I get to learn something new everyday

[@tonyk1584]

Good stuff

[@maxdoubt5219]

The story of how we finally got Yellow Fever's number is a fascinating one.

[@frankdindl790]

I wish you had mentioned the 50 Volcanic rifles that were used early in the conflict.

[@MongooseTacticool]

Off to Forgotten Weapons channel we go :)

[@David.Anderson]

I learned something today. :)

[@MichaelSmith-kh8zr]

thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@nicksauer6749]

Please review the 1992 Los Angeles riots. As someone who lived through them, I found the official reasons very unsatisfactory.

[@MrThenry1988]

Not politically correct today. Maybe 100 years from now.

[@_Thoughtful_Aquarius_]

An interesting observation made by many that witnessed the Los Angeles riot of1992, no work boots were stolen. Also note worthy, business owners equipped with firearms we're able to protect their property.

[@trojanwood]

Thoughtful Aquarius yep, just combat boots.

[@commander31able60]

@@_Thoughtful_Aquarius_ *were

[@_Thoughtful_Aquarius_]

@@commander31able60 , yep

[@somerandomguy3868]

Very informative, I'm going to share this with my family

[@klayofthemystics]

Scourge...Great word

[@JamesHawkins54]

I am writing this at the end of June 2020 and can't think of a better story to tell.

[@mxpigg]

My friends and I would explore these ruins as kids. It was a long time ago. Very creepy. Equipment was left there and we always wondered what caused such an apparent sudden abandonment of the facility.

[@GroovyVideo2]

Thanks

[@marklittle8805]

Staten Island has always been treated badly by the rest of the city....and this must have been why

[@sonofcong]

I think it might be because of the people that live there are obnoxious

[@srtgrayfrance]

Interesting video (and interesting typo of 'Conlcusion' :) ). Would you make a video on the Aberfan disaster?

[@gtbkts]

Commenting for support

[@danielsedgwick5476]

Very interesting

[@EdwardGregoryNYC]

A section of the site that contained one of the cemeteries was recently part of the planned Staten Island Courthouse building site. Community support for commemorating the site led to a small park at the northern corner of the site at Hyatt Street, St. Marks Place and Central Avenue honoring the dead - mostly Irish. There is also a memorial at the Silver Lake Golf Course which was built over another burial location for the Quarantine. The location has been developed over several times.

[@c.w.johnsonjr6374]

This was on my home page today. Very apropos.

[@alicecoppers8980]

The Great Stink of 1858 is one of ur best videos. Both maybe related.