Land of the BIG Skyline
In a city known for non-stop hustle and bustle and buildings galore, even the most ardent New Yorker occasionally craves a bit of elbow room and a breath of fresh air. Enter Roosevelt Island, an East River isle offering plenty of open space and million dollar views, all within minutes of Manhattan.

An Abbreviated History
Originally inhabited by the Algonquin Indians who called it "Minnahanock", the Dutch took over Roosevelt Island in 1620, renaming it Hog Island. The English confiscated the land in 1665, changing its name to "Manning's Island", which later became "Blackwell's Island". For 150 years, the Blackwell family mined Roosevelt Island's quarries, farmed its fruit trees and, during the post-revolutionary era, built Blackwell House (500 Main Street), which still stands as one of the oldest farm houses in New York City today.

As New York City's population swelled in the early 1800's, officials purchased Blackwell's Island as a place to treat and care for the sick and indigent and to house criminals. The Chapel of the Good Shepherd (543 Main Street), erected in 1889, provided a house of worship and comfort for the unwanted poor and sick who were housed in the island's many almshouses, while the Smallpox Hospital (located in Southpoint Park) was opened in 1864 to care for people with contagious diseases. Most New Yorkers and visitors to Roosevelt Island would be surprised to know that this structure was designed by James Renwick, Jr., the designer of St. Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth Avenue!

Million Dollar Views
If Roosevelt Island has any secret, it is the spectacular views it offers of the Manhattan skyline from the signature red Roosevelt Island Tram and the four-mile Waterfront Esplanade which offers unfettered views of East Midtown and the Upper East Side. The Roosevelt Island Tram, which has shuttled people between East Midtown and Roosevelt Island since 1976, lifts passengers to a height of 250 feet above the East River, affording riders a literal bird's eye view of Midtown, Manhattan. (Visitors can pick up the tram for this waterfront ride at East Midtown's Second Avenue and 59th Street station.)

In addition to great views of the City, Roosevelt Island also offers a spectacular view of the much anticipated fireworks show every 4th of July. The annual Fireworks Festival, which takes place at Southpoint Park, offers ample seating for everyone, a food court and family-friendly entertainment. Tickets are required. Visit www.rioc.com for more information.

Getting Here:
Subway F to Roosevelt Island
Other The Tram to Roosevelt Island leaves from 59th Street and Second Avenue every quarter hour. (Fare is the Metrocard.)
Bus Roosevelt Island's "Red Bus" runs a loop around the island and can be picked up at the base of the tram or the subway station. (25 cent fare, 10 cents seniors and kids)
Parking Parking is available at Motorgate near the exit off the bridge from Queens.