Bailey’s and Independence islands, just north of the Harvey Taylor Bridge, cast reflections on the Susquehanna River (file photo).
This summer, two unique pieces of real estate splashed onto the sales market in Harrisburg—they now have a new owner.
In January, the commonwealth purchased Independence and Bailey’s islands, both located in the middle of the Susquehanna River near the Harvey Taylor Bridge, with the intention of conserving the land.
The islands were listed in August by owners Robert and John Ensminger, whose family had owned them for generations. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the larger of the two, Independence Island, operated as a bathing and entertainment resort for visitors. Today, the islands have no permanent structures and are mostly visited by boaters.
Now, the state, led by its Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), has purchased the pair of islands for $160,000. According to Seth Cassell, the Bureau of Forestry’s director of planning and administration, DCNR bought the islands to conserve the land and keep it public.
“We saw it as an opportunity to bring state forest land closer to our Capitol and to conserve the islands for future generations,” Cassell said.
An aerial view of Independence and Bailey islands (photo credit: Michael Yatsko)
As the state takes ownership, Cassell doesn’t predict that much will change with the use of the islands. They’ll likely remain a place for boaters and kayakers to stop for a picnic or a rest, he said.
DCNR owns many river islands across the state and several in the Susquehanna region already.
“They’re great ecological resources and scenic places to preserve,” Cassell said.
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