The Smallpox Hospital, sometimes referred to as the Renwick Smallpox Hospital and later the Maternity and Charity Hospital Training School, was a hospital located on Roosevelt Island in Manhattan, New York City.
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AI.
Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park
4.7
(1.1K)
Southpoint Park
4.7
(138)
Gantry Plaza State Park
4.8
(4K)
The Room
4.8
(52)
Blend on the Water
4.2
(2.6K)
$$
Anable Basin Sailing Bar & Grill
4.6
(687)
$
Maiella
4.4
(938)
$$$
Ophelia Lounge NYC
4.4
(968)
$$$
During my recent visit to the vicinity of Smallpox Memorial Hospital, I was disappointed to discover that access to the facility was restricted, and it was closed off to the public. While I was unable to explore the interior of the hospital, I will provide a review based on its external appearance and historical significance.
From the outside, Smallpox Memorial Hospital exudes an air of solemnity and history. The architectural design reflects the era in which it was built, with its grand facade and sturdy structure. Though the building showed signs of aging and neglect, its presence served as a poignant reminder of the importance it held during the smallpox epidemic.
While I was unable to witness the hospital's interior firsthand, I could appreciate the historical significance it represents. Smallpox Memorial Hospital stood as a symbol of the collective efforts to combat and eradicate a devastating disease. The dedication and sacrifices made by healthcare workers and the resilience of the patients who sought treatment within its walls should not be forgotten.
Although I was unable to interact with the hospital staff, I can imagine that they would have played a crucial role in maintaining the facility and preserving its historical value. The caretakers, if present, would likely have been responsible for ensuring the safety and integrity of the building.
While the inability to explore Smallpox Memorial Hospital was disappointing, I recognize that the closure may be necessary for safety reasons or due to ongoing preservation efforts. It is important to respect any restrictions in place to protect both the visitors and the integrity of the site.
In conclusion, while my experience with Smallpox Memorial Hospital was limited to its exterior, the presence of this historic institution served as a solemn reminder of the impact of the smallpox disease and the efforts made to combat it. Although I was unable to witness its interior firsthand, I appreciate the significance it holds and the need to preserve its historical value. For those interested in the history of medicine and the smallpox epidemic, it remains a site worthy of recognition and...
Read more
There are a lot of abandoned buildings around New York but only a few of them have been officially designated New York City Landmarks. The 19th-century Renwick Smallpox Hospital on Roosevelt Island is one of them and its one of the most atmospheric secret places in NYC.
New York actually suffered more and longer from smallpox (which was vaccinated against as early as 1796) than many other places in America due to the density of its population and the fact that it received many immigrants from Europe every year. The hospital was built on Roosevelt Island because, at the time, it was only sparsely populated and could function as a de facto quarantine. The gothic revival architecture of the building is wonderfully spooky and its history makes it a must-see for any New York history buff.
To get there you hop on the Roosevelt Island Tram at the intersection of East 60th Street and 2nd Ave. and soar over the East River onto Roosevelt Island. It’s a short trip, but the views alone are stunning, and the ride costs the same as a normal subway fare (just swipe your MetroCard!). Once you get onto the island, head south and you can’t help but run into it.
The ruins are still fenced off but an ongoing refurbishment project is stabilizing them and plans to have them open to the public – though no opening date has been set. Given their propensity to spontaneously crumble, this is one hidden place in NYC that you want to view from a...
Read more
Inside of Southpoint Park are the remnants of a smallpox hospital built on the island in 1856.
Like The Octagon, architect James Renwick, Jr. designed this Gothic-style hospital building.
It was the first hospital in the United States to take in smallpox patients, the highly contagious and deadly disease.
Although a vaccine existed, it wasn’t until the late 1800’s that efforts were made in the United States to eradicate the disease by universal vaccination.
Until then, special hospitals were built specifically for treating smallpox sufferers.
From its opening until its closing in 1875, the hospital treated about 7,000 patients a year.
In 1875, the hospital was moved to North Brothers Island since Blackwell Island was becoming overcrowded and not an appropriate setting for a hospital populated with infectious patients.
The building was then converted into a nurses’ dormitory.
But as the institutions and hospitals of Blackwell’s Island (by now renamed Welfare Island) closed down, the hospital building was abandoned in the 1950s and fell into terrible decay and disrepair.
However, in the 1960s, the deteriorating structure was saved by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, who had what was left of the hospital shored up to avoid total collapse.
What little remains of the original building is often referred to as the...
Read more
