Plum Island, Research island in Suffolk County, United States.
Plum Island is a 3-mile (4.8 km) long and up to 1-mile (1.6 km) wide landmass in Gardiners Bay near Orient Point. The land features low coastal bluffs, scrubland, and several buildings that remain inaccessible from the mainland without authorization.
The Pequot people called this land Manittuwond before Dutch explorer Adriaen Block charted it in 1614. The US government acquired the territory in the late 19th century and used it for military purposes before establishing the current research facility.
The animal disease research center opened in 1954 works under high security protocols to prevent livestock infections from spreading beyond the facility. Scientists study infectious diseases that could affect cattle, swine, and poultry across agricultural regions.
The United States Department of Agriculture controls access strictly and permits entry only to approved personnel. Visitors without official clearance cannot land on or view the facility from public areas.
The waters around the land required the construction of two lighthouses, with the current structure dating from 1869. The earlier tower became unusable due to erosion and had to be replaced by the newer construction.
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