People Have Been Forbidden From Entering This Place For 100 Years, And The Reason Is Chilling | HO
Top 20 Places People Have Been Forbidden from Entering. Throughout history, governments, organizations, and even nature itself have drawn impenetrable lines around certain places.
These are places shrouded in secrecy, protected by law, or isolated by their own harmful nature. From deadly islands teeming with deadly predators to military zones so classified they don’t appear on maps, and ancient temples where the uninitiated are forbidden to tread, these 20 locations hold the answers to mysteries we may never solve.
Throughout history, there have been places so shrouded in mystery or danger that access to them has been strictly forbidden. These locations are often isolated by law, natural barriers, or the legacy of tragic events, leaving their secrets hidden from the world. Whether due to deadly wildlife, toxic gases, dark pasts, or strategic military importance, these places have captivated the imaginations of people for decades. In this exploration, we will take a closer look at several of the most fascinating locations that have been forbidden for decades, some for over a century, and the chilling reasons behind their inaccessibility.
1. North Brother Island, New York City, USA
North Brother Island, located in the East River between the Bronx and Riker’s Island, is a 13-acre patch of land steeped in dark history. Initially the site of a tragic shipwreck in 1904, where over 1,000 lives were lost, the island was later turned into a quarantine hospital for those suffering from contagious diseases. Among its most infamous inhabitants was Mary Mallon, better known as Typhoid Mary, who became the first person in the U.S. to be identified as a carrier of typhoid fever.
The island’s dark past, combined with its isolation, has made it off-limits to the public. In recent years, it has become a bird sanctuary, but its haunting history remains a chilling reminder of the human toll taken by disease and isolation. Although scientists can sometimes gain special permission to study the island, most people are not allowed to visit, and the eerie silence of North Brother Island only adds to its mystery.
2. Niow Hawaiian Island, Hawaii, USA
Niow, often referred to as “The Forbidden Island,” is located just south of Kauai in Hawaii. This small island has been privately owned by the Robinson family since 1864, and they have imposed a strict no-entry policy to protect both the environment and the local culture. The island is one of the last places where traditional Hawaiian ways of life continue uninterrupted, offering a glimpse into a nearly unchanged society.
The Robinson family’s mission is to preserve the island’s ecosystem and cultural heritage from the pressures of modern life and outside influence. Visitors are not allowed without explicit permission, ensuring that Niow remains one of the most secluded and pristine locations in the world. Its isolation has helped protect its biodiversity, but it also prevents the world from experiencing its natural beauty firsthand.
3. Pluto’s Gate, Turkey
Known as the “Gateway to the Underworld,” Pluto’s Gate in Turkey was believed by ancient civilizations to be an entrance to the afterlife. Located in the ancient city of Hierapolis, this site is home to a cave that spews toxic gas. Ancient Greeks and Romans associated this noxious plume of fumes with the gods of death and the underworld, giving rise to myths about the dangers lurking within.
Modern scientists have explained that the toxic gases emitted by Pluto’s Gate are the result of natural processes caused by the fault lines in the region. Still, the site remains dangerous. The thick fumes are lethal to living creatures, and anyone who dares approach is putting their life at risk. Despite its captivating history and the myths surrounding it, Pluto’s Gate is largely off-limits to tourists due to the hazards posed by its toxic environment.
4. Runit Island, Marshall Islands
Runit Island, located in the Pacific Ocean, is infamous for its role in a chilling Cold War-era experiment. From 1946 to 1958, the United States conducted nuclear testing on the island, detonating over 25 bombs, some of which were thousands of times more powerful than the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. These tests left behind massive amounts of radioactive waste, which is still highly toxic today.
In an attempt to contain the radioactive material, the U.S. government built a concrete dome on Runit Island, but many fear that the structure’s integrity is compromised. Cracks have started to appear in the dome, raising concerns that the toxic waste could eventually leak into the environment. As a result, the island remains off-limits, with the dangerous legacy of the nuclear tests still looming over the region. The island serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of nuclear experimentation.
5. Lasco Caves, France
The Lasco Caves in France are home to some of the world’s most extraordinary prehistoric artwork. Dating back over 17,000 years, the caves contain paintings of horses, bulls, and goats, providing a glimpse into the lives of our distant ancestors. However, in 1963, the caves were closed to the public due to the damage caused by human presence, which led to fungal outbreaks threatening the preservation of the artwork.
Efforts to protect the caves have included creating detailed replicas of the artwork so that visitors can still experience these masterpieces without endangering the originals. The caves’ fragility and the need for preservation have made them off-limits, ensuring that these ancient works remain intact for future generations. The decision to restrict access to the Lasco Caves underscores the delicate balance between human curiosity and the need to protect our cultural heritage.
6. Ross Island, Andaman Islands, India
Ross Island, located in the Andaman Islands of India, has a dark and brutal past. During the British colonial era, it served as a prison for political rebels and criminals from 1858 to 1941. Prisoners were subjected to grueling forced labor and harsh conditions, with many dying in the process. The ruins of the British prison, along with other colonial structures, remain on the island as a reminder of this dark chapter in history.
Today, Ross Island is a popular tourist destination, but its past still haunts the island. The remnants of its brutal colonial history stand as silent witnesses to the oppression that occurred here. Nature has reclaimed much of the land, but the island’s tragic legacy still lingers, making it a place where the echoes of the past are never far away.
7. Bannerman Castle, USA
Located on an island in the Hudson River near New York City, Bannerman Castle was once a hub for military surplus during the early 20th century. The castle was built by Frank Bannerman, a businessman who amassed a vast stockpile of weapons. However, in 1920, a massive explosion occurred when the powder house storing explosive materials detonated, causing severe damage to the castle.
Despite the explosion and subsequent abandonment of the castle, the site remains an iconic landmark. The haunting ruins, which are slowly being overtaken by nature, tell the story of Bannerman’s ambition and the destructive power of explosives. The castle’s remains continue to attract visitors, but access to the island is restricted due to safety concerns and its hazardous state.
8. Dead Man’s Island, Canada
Dead Man’s Island in Canada is notorious for its grim history as a burial ground for victims of the plague. Over the years, human remains have washed up on the island’s shores, many of which are believed to be those of individuals who perished during outbreaks of the Black Plague. The eerie presence of exposed remains and the island’s haunted reputation have made it a place that people prefer to avoid.
In 2016, around 200 human remains were discovered on the island, leading to calls for their respectful reburial. However, due to the island’s erosion, this task proved impossible, and the project was abandoned. Today, Dead Man’s Island remains a place of mystery, where the remains of the past wash ashore, and locals continue to steer clear of its cursed land.
9. Mount Roraima, Venezuela/Brazil/Guyana
Mount Roraima, located at the intersection of Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana, is one of the most visually striking natural landmarks in the world. This flat-topped mountain, also known as a Tepui, has been the subject of fascination for explorers and scientists for years. Its isolated position and harsh environment have preserved a unique ecosystem, with plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth.
Despite its natural beauty, Mount Roraima remains largely inaccessible due to its remote location and difficult terrain. The mountain’s biodiversity is a testament to millions of years of isolation, making it a place of immense ecological importance. Its inaccessibility has helped protect its fragile ecosystem, but it also ensures that the secrets of Mount Roraima remain largely unexplored.
These forbidden locations, whether due to their dangerous environments, tragic histories, or the need for preservation, continue to captivate the imagination of people around the world. The reasons for their inaccessibility are as diverse as the places themselves, but they all share a common thread: they are places that humanity, for one reason or another, must leave alone. Whether to protect the environment, preserve history, or avoid deadly risks, these locations remain shrouded in mystery, reminding us of the power of nature and the dark legacies of the past
