Roosevelt Island

Blackwell's Island prison

Blackwells Island, East River. From Eighty Sixth Street, New York (NYPL Hades-1803582-1659256).tiff

Roosevelt Island-1889 Chapel

Roosevelt Island td (2019-11-03) 016 - Riverwalk Place (455 Main Street)

United Nations Headquarters in New York City, view from Roosevelt Island

INTERIOR, SECOND FLOOR, SPIRAL STAIRCASE AND CENTRAL STAIRWELL - Welfare Island, Insane Asylum, New York, New York County, NY HABS NY,31-WELFI,6-5

Roosevelt Island is a narrow island in New York City's East River, between Manhattan and Queens. It is part of the borough of Manhattan and New York County. The island was called Minnehanonck by the Native Americans, Varkens Eylandt (Hog Island) by the Dutch, and Blackwell's Island before being renamed in honor of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

History[edit | edit source]

Roosevelt Island's history is rich and varied. Initially used by Native Americans, the island saw its first European settlers in the 17th century. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, it was home to a number of institutions, including hospitals, prisons, and asylums, such as the infamous Blackwell's Island Lunatic Asylum. In the 1970s, the island began a transformation into a residential community, with the development guided by the New York State Urban Development Corporation.

Geography[edit | edit source]

Roosevelt Island is approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) long and 800 feet (240 m) across at its widest point. It is connected to Manhattan by the Roosevelt Island Tramway, which provides stunning aerial views of the city, and to Queens by the Roosevelt Island Bridge. The F Train of the New York City Subway also serves the island, making it easily accessible from other parts of the city.

Demographics[edit | edit source]

The population of Roosevelt Island is diverse, with a mix of income levels and backgrounds. The island has a mix of market-rate and affordable housing, contributing to its diverse demographic makeup.

Landmarks and Institutions[edit | edit source]

Roosevelt Island is home to several notable landmarks and institutions. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, a memorial to President Roosevelt and his famous Four Freedoms speech, is located at the southern tip of the island. The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) manages much of the island's infrastructure and public spaces. Other important sites include the Octagon, a historic building that once served as the main entrance to the Lunatic Asylum, and the Cornell Tech campus, a state-of-the-art technology and entrepreneurship hub affiliated with Cornell University.

Transportation[edit | edit source]

Roosevelt Island is served by the Roosevelt Island Tramway, the F Train, and the Q102 bus, making it well-connected to the rest of New York City. The island also has a system of Red Buses that provide free transportation around the island.

Community Life[edit | edit source]

The community on Roosevelt Island is tight-knit, with residents enjoying a variety of amenities and activities. There are several parks, sports fields, and community gardens, as well as annual events that bring the community together, such as the Roosevelt Island Day and the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Future Developments[edit | edit source]

Roosevelt Island continues to evolve, with new developments in housing, education, and public spaces planned or underway. The expansion of the Cornell Tech campus is particularly notable, promising to enhance the island's reputation as a center for innovation and technology.