Welcome to Roosevelt Island

 

The island was called Minnehanonck by the Lenape and Varkens Eylandt. It was named Hog Island by New Netherlanders, during the colonial era and later called Blackwell's Island. Shortly after 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.

 

Today, Roosevelt Island is a community of 14,000 located in the East River between Manhattan and Queens. Spanning 2 miles and almost 40 city blocks from 46th to 85th street, this small island is often (literally) overshadowed by the Queensboro bridge which passes right above it.