Roosevelt Island, located in the East River, is part of the urban fabric of New York City, although few are aware of its past. Despite the fact that many New Yorkers have enjoyed the iconic red cable car that connects this island to Manhattan, the true history of this place is little explored. During the 19th century, the island housed institutions that seemed to be from another era: an asylum and a prison that marked a dark chapter in local history.
Back then, the island was used to house the marginalized members of society. The asylum established on the island became a center for the treatment of individuals with mental illnesses, while the prison was conceived to incarcerate criminals and those who posed a risk to society.
Among the inmates of the prison was Mary Mallon, popularly known as "Typhoid Mary," the infamous asymptomatic carrier of typhoid fever. Her stay in this place contributed to her earning the moniker of "suspect number one" in the context of the disease outbreaks that ravaged the population back then.
Over the years, the island underwent a transformation and left behind its grim past. Nowadays, Roosevelt Island is a destination that blends history with modernity. One of its main attractions is the Four Freedoms Park, a masterpiece designed by the renowned architect Louis Kahn in honor of Franklin D. Roosevelt.
This park, located at the southern tip of the island, offers wide green areas and panoramic views of the New York skyline, becoming a space for reflection and gathering for residents and tourists. The atmosphere on Roosevelt Island starkly contrasts with the hustle and bustle of Manhattan.
The tranquility of its streets and the richness of its history make it a refuge for those seeking a break amidst the whirlwind of the big city. In addition, the island hosts various cultural initiatives and events that highlight its past and transformation over time, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in an experience that blends legacy and innovation.
The tour of the island invites history enthusiasts to discover vestiges of its past through buildings and monuments that narrate eras of hospitality and confinement. A visit to the Four Freedoms Park is especially recommended, as its monumental design and privileged location offer a unique perspective on the evolution of this urban enclave.