Minnahannock, Varcken Island, Manning's Island, Blackwell’s Island, Welfare Island, Roosevelt Island. You know that any island with that many names is going to have a long history attached to it.
So where do we start? Should we go through the entire history dating back to 1639? No, because that has already been skillfully done here.
Should we highlight the island’s role as New York City’s home to a dense population of large and impersonal institutions? A place that the city historically chose to “relocate” those citizens that were difficult to deal with? Like the Lunatic Asylum, the Smallpox Hospital, the Foundling Hospital, the Charity Hospital, the Mens & Womens Almshouses, the prisons? Yes, it sure seemed like a lot of institutionalized housing was crammed onto an island that’s a little over 100 acres.
Or maybe we should mention some of its famous residents and visitors. Like journalist Elizabeth Cochrane who spent ten days undercover in the lunatic asylum using the pseudonym Nellie Bly to expose the conditions in her 1888 story. Charles Dickens also visited the asylum, and published his story in American Notes. Mae West, Billie Holiday, Dutch Schultz and Boss Tweed spent some time on the island too, albeit in the prisons. Comedian Buddy Hackett lived on Roosevelt Island, Al “Grandpa” Lewis lived there. And Sarah Jessica Parker grew up there.
Or, for an hour or two, maybe we should look past the astounding history and simply take the time to appreciate this often neglected community for its simple style. Let's relax a little and enjoy the peace we often lose on that bigger island to the west... Let's take a stroll.
Start:
This Wherigo begins at the Manhattan terminus of the Roosevelt Island tram at the foot of the Queensboro Bridge, on 2nd Ave between 59th St. & 60th St. We made the first zone very large due to all the trouble we had with satellite reception in the area. Note that it may take a while for your device to settle in.
Fees:
This Wherigo requires, at a minimum, one two-ride Metrocard per person, which currently costs $5.50. The tram ride is required, but you may opt to take either the F train or another tram ride on the return trip. As with the subway, the only way to pay for the tram is with a Metrocard.