Thought to have been built in 1872, the origin is so iffy no one is sure who did it. But it became the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse when Welfare Island changed names in the 1960s.
By David Stone
The tower spent most of its life as the Blackwell Island Lighthouse. The real irony is that both future name changes came after it lost its job guiding ships through the perils of Hell Gate.
In all seasons, people so love it and its setting where channels of the East River part… or rejoin, depending on your point of view. Couples dangle their feet over the seawall while others cast fishing lines into the currents separating nearby.
Others pass in a familiar Roosevelt Island stroll.
On Sunday, January 10th, 2020, the historic site had plenty of company. The cold north wind of recent days subsided, and a bright sun pushed temperatures into the 40s.
- How New York Borough Events Shape Everyday Life on Roosevelt Island
- Roosevelt Island and Queens: Public Safety, Infrastructure, and Community Threads
- How Accountability and Everyday Effort Shape Steadiness on Roosevelt Island
- How Citywide Events Affect Everyday Life on Roosevelt Island
- How Citywide Events Shape Daily Life on Roosevelt Island
Howard Polivy, the Man Who Never Left
There is a particular rhythm to board meetings. Once you have sat through enough of them, they begin to blend together. The agenda appears. The minutes are approved.
