New York (city)/Roosevelt Island
From World travel guide
Roosevelt Island is an elongated strip of land in the East River between Manhattan Island and Queens on Long Island.
Contents |
Understand
Known until 1921 as Blackwell's Island, after the Englishman Robert Blackwell, who purchased it from Dutch colonists in 1676 (the island, of course, had earlier been "liberated" from the indigeneous inhabitants....). During the 19th century, Roosevelt Island became the location, variously, of an asylum, a quarantine hospital and sevral prisons.
Get in
By Tramway
Probably the most convenient and best way to get on to Roosevelt Island is to take the Tramway, crossing over the 300 yard stretch East River from 59th Street on Manhattan. Board the tram on Second Avenue at 59th Street. One way fare $2.00.
By Subway
The F train makes a single stop on the island before continuing on to destinations in Queens.
By Car, Foot, or Bicycle
The bridge to Roosevelt Island can be accessed at the intersection of 36th Avenue and Vernon Boulevard. On the other side, if you're on foot or bike, you can take a staircase, elevator, or escalator down to the ground level through a parking garage. The alternative is to run/bike down the corkscrew ramp but this is not suggested since occasionally you may be run over by a bus.
See
- Manhattan viewpoints:
- the Meditation Steps - just north of the Tramway stop
- the Southpoint - a newly-created public space at the southern tip of the island, accessed by one of the riverside promenades
Do
- Head to Roosevelt Island for the 4th of July Fireworks display over Manhattan - Roosevelt Island affords one of the best views of the city's pyrotechnic displays
External links
- Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation - official web site, includes events info and maps
| This article is still a stub and needs your attention. Plunge forward and help it grow! |
