Roosevelt Island Historical Walking Tour
Daniel Flores
Roosevelt Island has gained immense popularity in recent years, largely due to social media. However, are you aware of the dark history of this small island, located between Queens and Manhattan? What was once considered a humanitarian crisis - the atrocities faced by individuals with mental health conditions during the 19th century on this island - remains largely undisclosed. In this tour, we will delve into the dark history of Roosevelt Island, shedding light on its grim past. Join me on this walking tour, as we uncover the untold stories that shaped the island’s complex narrative.
Departure Point
- I will be waiting downstairs by the benches.
- We will end at Roosevelt Island, where you will have the option to take the F train, tramway, or Ferry back to Manhattan/ to your destination.
- Human tour guide - English
- Printed guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: Roosevelt Island Tramway254 East 60th Street, New York, NY 10022We will meet at the Tramway Plaza and discuss a brief history of the Roosevelt Island Tramway. We will meet everyone and introduce ourselves and head over to Roosevelt Island. The tramway takes us over the East River giving us incredible views of the City. We will stop and take photos once we are off the tram. Duration: 30 minutesStop At: Queensboro Bridge61 Ed Koch, , New York City, New YorkGift shop and cool information about Roosevelt Island. Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Fdr Hope MemorialSouthpoint Park, New York City, New YorkWe will visit the island’s oldest building, which dates back to the 1790s and belonged to the Blackwell family, after whom the island was named at that time. During this walk, we will also stroll past the train and ferry stations to showcase the different forms of transportation on the island. Along the way, you will enjoy panoramic views of both the East and the Hudson River.Duration: 20 minutesStop At: Blackwell House500 Main St, New York City, New YorkWe will walk under the bridge and see it's amazing structure and gorgeous views of Manhattan. Duration: 15 minutesStop At: Smallpox Memorial HospitalE Rd, New York City, New YorkThe Smallpox Hospital was originally built as a quarantine facility for smallpox patients, who were isolated on the island to prevent the spread of the disease to the mainland. It was part of a larger complex of hospitals and medical facilities that served New York City in the 19th century.Duration: 10 minutesStop At: Roosevelt Island Historical Society Visitor Center Kiosk285 Main Street, Tram Plaza, New York City, New YorkFDR memorial on Roosevelt Island is dedicated to the memory of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States. It was designed by architect Louis Kahn and dedicated in 1973. We will end the tour here and you will be free to hang out at the park and take more photos. Duration: 15 minutesAdditional Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Tramway entry
Roosevelt Island has gained immense popularity in recent years, largely due to social media. However, are you aware of the dark history of this small island, located between Queens and Manhattan? What was once considered a humanitarian crisis - the atrocities faced by individuals with mental health conditions during the 19th century on this island - remains largely undisclosed. In this tour, we will delve into the dark history of Roosevelt Island, shedding light on its grim past. Join me on this walking tour, as we uncover the untold stories that shaped the island’s complex narrative.
Departure Point
- I will be waiting downstairs by the benches.
- We will end at Roosevelt Island, where you will have the option to take the F train, tramway, or Ferry back to Manhattan/ to your destination.
- Human tour guide - English
- Printed guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: Roosevelt Island Tramway254 East 60th Street, New York, NY 10022We will meet at the Tramway Plaza and discuss a brief history of the Roosevelt Island Tramway. We will meet everyone and introduce ourselves and head over to Roosevelt Island. The tramway takes us over the East River giving us incredible views of the City. We will stop and take photos once we are off the tram. Duration: 30 minutesStop At: Queensboro Bridge61 Ed Koch, , New York City, New YorkGift shop and cool information about Roosevelt Island. Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Fdr Hope MemorialSouthpoint Park, New York City, New YorkWe will visit the island’s oldest building, which dates back to the 1790s and belonged to the Blackwell family, after whom the island was named at that time. During this walk, we will also stroll past the train and ferry stations to showcase the different forms of transportation on the island. Along the way, you will enjoy panoramic views of both the East and the Hudson River.Duration: 20 minutesStop At: Blackwell House500 Main St, New York City, New YorkWe will walk under the bridge and see it's amazing structure and gorgeous views of Manhattan. Duration: 15 minutesStop At: Smallpox Memorial HospitalE Rd, New York City, New YorkThe Smallpox Hospital was originally built as a quarantine facility for smallpox patients, who were isolated on the island to prevent the spread of the disease to the mainland. It was part of a larger complex of hospitals and medical facilities that served New York City in the 19th century.Duration: 10 minutesStop At: Roosevelt Island Historical Society Visitor Center Kiosk285 Main Street, Tram Plaza, New York City, New YorkFDR memorial on Roosevelt Island is dedicated to the memory of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States. It was designed by architect Louis Kahn and dedicated in 1973. We will end the tour here and you will be free to hang out at the park and take more photos. Duration: 15 minutesAdditional Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Tramway entry
Need To Know Info
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
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