A Historical Gem Nestled between Two Cities-The Roosevelt Island

Located just a few kilometers away from Manhattan, Roosevelt Island grabbed the attention of people from all over the world for decades. Roosevelt Island is an island in New York City’s East River, within the borough of Manhattan. The Island serves as a connection pole between Manhattan and Queens. The Island is about 3.2 km long, with a maximum width of 240 m, and a total area of 147 acres. It got its name from Franklin Delano Roosevelt who was America’s 26th president. Once a natural forest the island, today covers miles of trails through wooded uplands and swampy bottomlands honoring the legacy of a great outdoorsman and conservationist.

History

In the past, this Island was wooded swampy bottomland, owned by a family called the Blackwell. In the early 1800s, the New York Government bought the island to utilize it for the benefit of the state. The policymakers of the country agreed that this place could be the best part of the country more than just a deserted land. They took over the place and started plans to change its infrastructure.

The Island is owned by the city but was leased to the New York State Urban Development Corporation for 99 years in 1969. Most of the residential buildings on Roosevelt Island are rental buildings.  The island was called Minnehanonck by the Lenape and Varkens Eylandt (Hog Island) by the Dutch during the colonial era and later Blackwell‘s Island. It was known as Welfare Island when it was used principally for hospitals, from 1921 to 1973.  It was renamed Roosevelt Island in honor of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1973.

Vehicular access is limited on the island and several areas are designed as car-free zones. The Roosevelt Island Tramway, the oldest urban commuter tramway in the U.S., connects the island to Manhattan Island. The NYC Ferry also maintains a dock on the east side of the island. On-island transport is provided by the Red Bus service.

Take the Roosevelt Island Tramway over the East River for a unique visit to the City. Once closed to the public, today Roosevelt Island is home to a residential community and a number of parks and landmarks. Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park offers public programming and family-friendly events At the island’s southern end. Another historical vein to visit the city is- The Renwick Ruin, a former smallpox hospital; the Octagon tower, the remnants of an insane asylum; and, on the northern tip, a 19th-century lighthouse anchoring a park from where visitors can get wide-angle views of NYC. This 3.2km stretch was once home to prisons and asylums but now boasts an aerial adventure.

Roosevelt Island tramway

The Roosevelt Island Tram is one of New York’s most underrated attractions. For decades-old service whisks you through the air on a journey from Island to Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The Tramway provides bird’s-eye views of the East River and city skyline with an efficient and enjoyable journey.

The Lighthouse Roosevelt

A lonely Gothic Revival lighthouse, built in 1872 using granite quarried from the island above the waters of the East River at the northernmost stretch of the Island. It is the 15-meter-high Lighthouse. The Lighthouse was designed by James Renwick, Jr., architect of the Smallpox Hospital and the Smithsonian Institute. The East River channel’s huge granite boulders made it very difficult to navigate so the lighthouse was commissioned as part of a solution for New York City’s shipping ports. Lighthouse Park is now a lovely fishing and barbecue destination.

Four Freedoms State Park

Conceived in the ‘70s and opened in 2012, Four Freedoms Park was well worth visiting. A sight to behold, comprising an open-topped deck lined with tall granite blocks. The park’s event season runs from May to October that includes yoga, book readings, kite flying, public talks, and music performances. There are stunning views of Midtown Manhattan, home to the Empire State and Chrysler buildings.

Read More- An Extraordinary Feature in Croatia-Eye Of The Earth

The Octagon Park

The Octagon is a mid-19th-century remnant that was built as the main entrance to the New York City Lunatic Asylum. Its architecture was so impressive it drew praise from a visiting Charles Dickens. The Octagon was converted into high-end housing in 2006. Today one can visit the “flying staircase” up its winding entry, and there’s an adjoining gallery.

Things to do in Roosevelt Island New York

Roosevelt Island Pool

Roosevelt Island’s waterfront pool is another gorgeous colorful mural on its pool deck. Given Island’s specific location in a tidal estuary and its fragile relation with the Atlantic Ocean, it is the perfect place to expand some memorable moments and this is the best thing to do on Island. The Roosevelt Pool features a waterslide, a wading pool, and a recently finished expansion of the locker room facilities.

Roosevelt Island Bridge

The Roosevelt Island Bridge is a towering drive bridge that connects the Island in Manhattan to Astoria in Queens. It crosses the East Channel of the East River and is the sole route to the island for vehicular and foot traffic.

Roosevelt Island cable car 

One of the coolest things to do on Roosevelt Island New York is to ride the Roosevelt cable car that connects Manhattan with Roosevelt Island. One can see Manhattan from a certain height with a ride in this Cable car. The Island Cable Car opened in 1976 for the residents of the island. The cable car ride takes only 3 minutes and flies over the East River Following the Queensboro Bridge. The highest point, the Cable car rises to 75 meters above the East River, giving visitors great views of the river and skyscrapers.

Roosevelt Island Cherry blossom

Thousands of spring-starved New Yorkers flocked to Roosevelt Island to see the annual cherry blossom festival. Cherry trees can be seen along the island’s West Promenade, creating amazing scenery around Island. The place is a dream destination for every American.

Roosevelt Island Ferry

NYC Ferry has a landing on Roosevelt Island which connects to Astoria, Long Island City, East 34th street, and Wall Street on the Astoria Line. The ferry service is located on East Main Street, east of Tram Plaza. NYC Water Ferry is a terrific service to get around Island. This station is well organized with automated ticket machines and a Wonderful view of the 59th Street Bridge overhead. There is a nice searing area shaded by trees while you wait for the ferry.

How to reach the Island

The nearest airport to Roosevelt Island is New York Skyports Seaplane Base. From Newark Airport various bus service is operated to reach Roosevelt island.