Big Hassock

Across the shimmering waters of Jamaica Bay, Big Hassock beckons. Big Hassock isn’t just an island. It’s a testament to resilience, a community carved from the heart of a marsh. Originally, “Big Hassock” referred not to the island, but to the channel surrounding it. This piece of land, known officially as Rulers Bar Hassock, and colloquially as “Broad Channel Island”, stands as the sole inhabited island in Jamaica Bay. Imagine a community nestled within the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. This is Big Hassock, a place where the rhythms of nature intertwine with the pulse of city life. Big Hassock’s story begins long before the arrival of European settlers. The Lenape Native Americans, specifically the Jameco and Canarsie bands, were the first to appreciate this unique ecosystem. They fished its waters and harvested its bounty. The arrival of the Long Island Rail Road in 1880 transformed Big Hassock. The railroad’s Rockaway Beach Branch cut across the bay, spurring the development of fishing villages, complete with shacks, summer homes, and bustling stores. This development continued into the early 20th century with leased land and the construction of bungalows and houses. However, progress wasn’t without its challenges. Residents faced issues with water quality and lack of essential services like sewers. The opening of the North Channel Bridge in 1925 marked a turning point, connecting Big Hassock to Howard Beach and the wider world. Big Hassock weathered storms, both literal and figurative, throughout the 20th century. From fires on the railroad trestle to battles with the city over land rights and proposed evictions, the community held its ground. Big Hassock stands as a tribute to the resilience of its close-knit community. The residents fought for their right to remain on the island, finally securing the right to purchase their land in 1982. Big Hassock, a community surrounded by nature, connected by bridges, and shaped by a rich history, continues to thrive.