From HOWSTUFFWORKS.COM:

For years, plenty of wild rumors and conspiracy theories have swirled around an 840-acre (340-hectare) speck of land a mile-and-a-half off New York’s Long Island, home to a high-security federal research facility that Internet-fueled urban legends have made into the East Coast’s equivalent of Area 51. Some have speculated that animal-human hybrids and biological warfare weapons are being developed inside the Plum Island Animal Disease Center, opened by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the 1950s and under the control of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security since 2003.

“I’ve had questions about Nazi scientists, alien technology and genetically-modified monsters,” says John Verrico, a spokesman for Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate.

But inside the security fences and biocontainment area checkpoints (described in the unredacted parts of this 2007 government report), government researchers work to stave more tangible threats — foreign animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever, which have the potential to wreak havoc with the U.S. food supply if they ever spread across the nation’s farms.

In the U.S., which hasn’t had an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease since 1929, an outbreak of the highly contagious affliction could cause “billions and billions of dollars” in economic losses, Verrico says, because infected farm animals would have to be culled from herds and destroyed. Meat exports would come to a halt until the disease was eradicated, and consumers might face shortages of meat and dairy products. Farmers who produce animal feed would be harmed as well. A 2001 outbreak in the U.K. cost that nation the equivalent of more than $10 billion, according to the BBC.

That longstanding danger led Congress to authorize the Department of Agriculture to create a laboratory to fight animal diseases back in the 1950s, with one major condition — the facility had to be located on an island, to reduce the danger of pathogens or infected animals escaping and spreading to farms, according to this September 1956 booklet. Plum Island, the site of the U.S. Army’s Fort Terry from 1879 to 1948, fit that criteria.

A Super Prison for Deadly Animal Diseases

A 1971 New York Times article described the facility as a “Devil’s Island for the deadliest animal disease germs known to man,” and described the elaborate security measures. They included round-the-clock patrols along the island’s perimeter (intended to warn away boaters who might be attracted by the pristine beaches), buildings with airlocks to keep bacteria and viruses from escaping, and holding tanks to sterilize the waste water from mandatory showers taken by staffers before leaving at the end of the work day. In part because of the risk of a terrorist attack on the facility, in 2003 it was transferred to the Department of Homeland Security, even though agriculture researchers continue to work there, and additional measures such as door sensors and alarms were added, as this 2007 Government Accountability Office report describes.

An al-Qaida operative who was arrested in 2008 in Afghanistan had a handwritten list of various potential targets in the U.S. that included Plum Island, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Despite all the security measures, the Plum Island facility doesn’t work in secrecy. “We actually don’t do any classified work at all,” Verrico says. “Our scientists publish reports on everything we do.”

Plum Island houses the only foot-and-mouth disease vaccine bank in North America, which maintains a variety of vaccines that have been developed to combat the more than 60 different strains of the disease. Those vaccines could be deployed in the event that the disease began to spread in the U.S., Canada or Mexico. “It’s regularly updated,” Verrico explains.

Additionally, if an animal becomes sick and develops suspicious lesions or other possible signs of the disease, tissue samples are sent to Plum Island for analysis, Verrico says. Veterinarians come to Plum Island for training.

Work at Plum Island was instrumental in the conquest of rinderpest, a deadly cattle disease that is one of the only the two diseases — smallpox is the other — that have been totally eradicated, Verico says.

Scheduled for Shutdown in 2023

Although the Plum Island facility and its 400-person workforce have been an important part of the nation’s defenses against animal diseases for decades, it’s scheduled to shut down by approximately 2023. It gradually will be replaced by the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, a $1.25 billion project under construction in Manhattan, Kansas. That facility will be larger than Plum Island and be able to conduct more studies simultaneously. It also will have added layers of security to enable it to function as a level 4 laboratory, meaning that it will be able to study animal diseases that have the potential to be transmitted to humans. It will be the first large-animal facility capable of such research, Verrico says. Advances in security measures will make it unnecessary for it to be located offshore.

What will happen to Plum Island after the animal disease center shuts down isn’t yet clear. The U.S. General Services Administration already has advertised the island and its buildings for sale, in keeping with a provision tucked into the 2009 economic stimulus package that requires it to be auctioned off to defray the construction cost of the Kansas facility and/or Homeland Security’s new headquarters complex.

But local environmentalists don’t want to see Plum Island turned into a waterfront housing development or golf resort. Because the island has been off-limits to development for so many years, much of it has reverted to its natural state and become a refuge for birds and animals, according to Chris Cryder, an outreach coordinator for the Preserve Plum Island Coalition, composed of environmental organizations in New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island. The coalition advocates setting aside 80 percent of the island as a preserve.

In the winters, for example, Plum Island is a haven for 600 harbor and gray seals, who migrate from Canada to forage for food there, Cryder says. It also provides habitat for avian species such as the piping plover and roseate tern. Over the past six decades, “there’s been relatively little disturbance of nature because of the high security operation there,” Cryder explains.

Environmental groups filed a lawsuit in 2016, seeking to prevent the government from going ahead with a sale, on the grounds that it hadn’t complied with requirements of various federal environmental laws. After GSA unsuccessfully sought to get the suit dismissed, the agency announced in August that it would hold off on the sale in order to prepare a new environmental impact statement to augment the review it had done in 2013. In an interview, Roger Reynolds, senior counsel for Connecticut Fund for the Environment, describes the initial study as “remarkably inadequate.”

Now That’s Interesting

Last year, a portion of Plum Island’s power system was utilized by the departments of Homeland Security, Defense and Energy to conduct tests simulating a cyber-attack on U.S. electrical grids, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Plum Island FAQs

Is Plum Island open to the public?

Its beaches are open to the public, but there are no stationed lifeguards in Newbury or Newburyport. The beach at Sandy Point State Reservation is open to the public for swimming and sunbathing.

Did Lyme disease come from Plum Island?

No, but there have been rumors that state otherwise because the island is located near the coast of Lyme, Connecticut, where the first outbreak of Lyme was recorded in 1975.

Can you swim at Plum Island?

You can swim at the beach at Sandy Point reservation.

SOURCE: HOWSTUFFWORKS.COM

Today is Andrew Jackson’s birthday and I found this wonderful article on him, on the funwithhistory.com website.

13 Facts About Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, is a figure of both admiration and controversy in American history. Born into humble beginnings in the Carolinas, he rose to prominence through his military heroics during the War of 1812 and later became known as “Old Hickory” for his unyielding character. Jackson’s presidency, marked by confrontations like the Nullification Crisis and the Indian Removal Act, left a lasting impact on the nation. In this exploration of Andrew Jackson’s life and legacy, we delve into some key facts that illuminate his journey from orphaned youth to one of the most influential figures in American history.

Andrew Jackson Facts

1 Born in the Carolinas in 1767

Andrew Jackson’s exact birthplace is disputed, but it is generally believed that he was born in the Waxhaws region, which straddled the border of North and South Carolina. This region was a rural and frontier area during the 18th century, and Jackson’s humble beginnings shaped his character and worldview.

2 Orphaned at a young age

Jackson faced considerable adversity in his early life. His father, Andrew Jackson Sr., died in a logging accident just a few days before Andrew’s birth. Tragically, his mother, Elizabeth Jackson, died of cholera when he was only 14 years old. This left him an orphan, and he and his older brother, Robert, had to fend for themselves. These early hardships instilled in Jackson a strong sense of self-reliance and resilience that would define his life.

3 Self-taught lawyer

Despite having limited access to formal education, Jackson was a determined and self-motivated individual. He worked as a saddle maker, schoolteacher, and even a law clerk before teaching himself the law. He eventually moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in 1788 and established a successful law practice. His legal career played a crucial role in his rise to prominence in Tennessee and his later entry into politics. Jackson’s success as a lawyer showcased his intelligence and determination, which would serve him well in his future endeavors, including his military and political career.

4 Military hero during the War of 1812

Andrew Jackson gained national prominence for his military leadership during the War of 1812. He was appointed as a major general in the United States Army and commanded American forces in the Southern theater of the war. His most famous victory came in the Battle of New Orleans in 1815, where he successfully defended the city against British forces. This victory made him a national hero and propelled him into the political spotlight.

5 Nicknamed “Old Hickory”

He earned the nickname “Old Hickory” due to his tough and resilient personality. It was given to him by his soldiers during his military campaigns, reflecting his unyielding and often stern demeanor. Jackson was known for his strong will and determination, and this nickname stuck with him throughout his life.

6 Seventh President of the United States

He was elected as the seventh President of the United States and served two terms from 1829 to 1837. He was the first president to hail from west of the Appalachian Mountains, symbolizing a shift in political power away from the Eastern elite. Jackson’s presidency is often associated with the rise of Jacksonian democracy, characterized by an emphasis on the common man’s role in government. However, it was also marked by controversy, including his confrontations with the Second Bank of the United States and the Indian Removal policy.

7 Faced the Nullification Crisis

During Andrew Jackson’s presidency, the Nullification Crisis emerged as a major challenge. It revolved around the issue of tariffs imposed by the federal government, which disproportionately affected Southern states, particularly South Carolina. In 1832, South Carolina declared that it had the right to nullify or reject federal laws within its borders, including the tariffs. Jackson vehemently opposed this assertion of state sovereignty and believed it could lead to the dissolution of the Union. He responded with the Nullification Proclamation and the Force Bill, which authorized the use of military force to enforce federal laws in South Carolina. Ultimately, a compromise was reached, and the crisis was defused, but it highlighted the tension between states’ rights and federal authority.

8 Signed the Indian Removal Act

In 1830, Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act into law, which provided for the forced removal of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the Southeastern United States to lands west of the Mississippi River. This policy resulted in the tragic Trail of Tears, during which thousands of Native Americans, primarily from the Cherokee Nation, died due to exposure, disease, and starvation during their forced relocation. Jackson’s support for this policy remains a deeply controversial and dark chapter in American history.

9 Opposed the Second Bank of the United States

Andrew Jackson was a vocal opponent of the Second Bank of the United States, viewing it as a symbol of corruption and elitism. He believed the bank had too much power and favored the wealthy over the common people. In 1832, Jackson vetoed the recharter of the bank, effectively causing its demise. This decision had a profound impact on American financial policy, leading to a period of economic instability known as the “Bank War.”

10 Survived an assassination attempt

In January 1835, while Jackson was President, he survived an assassination attempt. A disturbed house painter named Richard Lawrence approached Jackson with two pistols and attempted to shoot him. Both pistols misfired, and Jackson, known for his physical toughness, proceeded to physically attack Lawrence with his cane. The attempt on his life cemented Jackson’s image as a strong and resilient leader, and he remained unharmed.

11 Engaged in several duels

Andrew Jackson was involved in several duels during his lifetime, reflecting the dueling culture of the time. Notable among these was his duel with Charles Dickinson in 1806. The dispute arose over insults exchanged between Jackson and Dickinson. During the duel, Dickinson fired the first shot, which struck Jackson in the chest, near his heart. Jackson, despite being wounded, managed to stay standing and calmly took aim at Dickinson, firing and fatally wounding him. The bullet that struck Jackson remained lodged in his chest for the rest of his life, causing him occasional pain. Jackson’s willingness to participate in duels was emblematic of his fiery temperament and his strong sense of personal honor.

12 Controversial marriage to Rachel Donelson Robards

Andrew Jackson’s marriage to Rachel Donelson Robards was a subject of controversy during his political career. Rachel had been previously married to Lewis Robards, but they had separated before her relationship with Jackson began. However, due to a legal technicality, their divorce was not finalized when Jackson and Rachel married in 1791. This led to accusations of adultery and social ostracism against Rachel. The controversy surrounding their marriage was used against Jackson in political campaigns, and it caused him considerable personal anguish.

13 Legacy includes populism and the forced removal of Native Americans

Andrew Jackson’s legacy is complex and polarizing. He is often remembered as a champion of the common people and a symbol of Jacksonian democracy, which emphasized increased political participation for white males without property qualifications. However, his legacy is also marked by controversy and criticism. His role in the forced removal of Native American tribes, such as the Cherokee on the Trail of Tears, is widely condemned as a tragic and inhumane chapter in American history. Additionally, his opposition to the National Bank and his assertion of executive power contributed to political division during his presidency. Jackson’s strong-willed personality and his impact on American politics and government continue to be subjects of debate among historians and scholars.

SOURCE: FUNWITHHISTORY.COM