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unusual facts about Randalls and Wards Islands


Protectory

Nine children, just gathered from the streets, were present and formed the nucleus of the new establishment that later grew to vast proportions on Randalls Island.


Downing Stadium

Built on Randalls Island in the East River as a WPA project, 15,000 attendees witnessed Jesse Owens compete at Randall's Island Stadium in the Men's Olympic Trials on July 11, 1936, the opening night of the new facility.

Hebrew Emigrant Aid Society

The organization ran shelters for recent Jewish immigrants at Castle Garden, New York's immigration center at the Battery prior to the 1892 opening of the facility at Ellis Island; Wards Island near the meeting point of Manhattan, The Bronx and Queens; and Greenpoint in Brooklyn.


see also