Explore the fascinating secrets of Randall's and Ward's Islands in New York City's past. Learn about the connection between these islands and the 1936 Olympic Trials, featuring guests like Jesse Owens, Tony Bennett, FDR, Othmar Ammann, Robert Moses, and Pearl Jam. Discover the unique purposes these islands have served, from burning garbage to quarantine hospitals. Dive into the exhumation process and the transformation of these islands from British strongholds to recreational parks. Finally, delve into the history of the 1936 Olympic Trials and Jesse Owens' historic success.
Randall's and Ward's Islands have had a diverse history, serving as burial grounds, asylums, and nurseries before becoming recreational parks.
The construction of the Triboro Bridge and the development of sports facilities by Robert Moses showcased his influential role in shaping New York City's infrastructure.
Deep dives
The Transformation of Randall's and Ward's Islands
Randall's Island and Ward's Island, located in the East River, have a fascinating history of diverse purposes and uses. From being purchased from local Indians, serving as British strongholds, and then being bought by farmers who gave them their names, the islands went on to become homes for the sick, old, and crazy. They were used as burial grounds, asylums, nurseries, and even housed juvenile delinquents. In the 1930s, under the leadership of Parks Commissioner Robert Moses, the islands were transformed into recreational parks with a focus on sporting events. This included the construction of Downing Stadium, which hosted the track and field Olympic trials in 1936. Despite debates about boycotting the Berlin Olympics, the United States decided to compete, and Jesse Owens, a standout athlete, qualified for multiple events, eventually winning four gold medals and making history. Today, the islands have become a conjoined landmass, with Randall's Island featuring a modern stadium and serving as a venue for various sports and music events.
The Triboro Bridge and the Influence of Robert Moses
The construction of the Triboro Bridge, a project supervised by Robert Moses, played a significant role in the fate of Randall's and Ward's Islands. Completed in 1936, the bridge utilized the islands as hubs, seamlessly connecting Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx. Moses, as the president of the Triboro Bridge Authority, even had an office on Randall's Island. Simultaneously, the city planned to transform the islands into recreational parks, focusing on sports. Downing Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility, was built on Randall's Island and served as a venue for various sports events. The Olympic trials for track and field were held there in 1936, and Jesse Owens, an athlete from Ohio State, qualified in multiple events, going on to achieve legendary success at the Berlin Olympics. The construction of the Triboro Bridge and the development of recreational facilities on the islands showcased the tremendous influence and vision of Robert Moses in shaping the city's infrastructure and recreational landscape.
Historical Significance and Present-day Features
Randall's and Ward's Islands have great historical significance and offer interesting features today. Over the years, the islands have undergone various transformations, from being used as dumping grounds and asylums to becoming vibrant recreational areas. While Ward's Island holds facilities such as a wastewater treatment plant and a forensic psychiatric center, Randall's Island has become known for its sports and entertainment venues. Downing Stadium, later replaced by Icon Stadium, hosted significant sporting events and music concerts. With a top-notch Olympic-quality track, the island has the potential to produce new athletic stars. The islands' historical legacy, the transformation under Robert Moses, and the continued development of recreational facilities make Randall's and Ward's Islands important landmarks in the East River.
Small islands reveal fascinating secrets of New York's past, and Randall's and Ward's Islands are no exceptions. Find out how these former potter's fields are related to the most important Olympics-related event New York City has ever seen. The cast includes a swashbuckling British engineer, Jesse Owens, Tony Bennett, FDR, Othmar Ammann, Robert Moses, and Pearl Jam!
