This 147 acres long and narrow island in the East River used to be called Black Island or Welfare Island. It was renamed in 1971 to Roosevelt Island in honor of FDR, the 32nd president. In the past, due to its relative isolation, a smallpox hospital and a lunatic asylum were built here. The 1909 Queensboro Bridge passes above it but has no vehicle exit. The 1955 Roosevelt Island Bridge, connecting it to Queens, is its only vehicular link. Direct links to Manhattan are provided by subway and an aerial tramway. Since the 70’s, low and mid-income housings were built here. Today, with the booming NYC real estate market, upscale apartments are being developed near the transit stations.
Opened in 1976, the Roosevelt Island Tramway was intended as a temporary transit solution for residents while a subway link was being built. After the opening of the 63rd Street Tunnel and its subway station in 1989, the tram to Upper East Side continued to operate. Its most recent renovation was on 2010. Rising 250 feet above water, it provides a breathtaking view.