Renwick's Ruins

Renwick Ruins today

The majestic ruins of the Smallpox Hospital, sometimes called "Renwick's Smallpox Hospital," are one of the most eerily romantic places in New York.  Situated on Roosevelt Island, just a five minute gondola ride from midtown east, the 100 bed Gothic revival hospital was built in 1856 by famed architect (and Home Alone "southbend shovel slayer" look-alike) James Renwick Jr. who also designed St. Patrick's Cathedral.

James Renwick Jr. (1818-1895), architect of the hospital

Roosevelt Island, formerly called Blackwell's Island, is an island in the East River just a few hundred feet off the banks of Manhattan.  Although now it is mostly residential, it formerly was the place New York City sent its outcast - those with smallpox, mental illnesses, or criminals.

The Smallpox Hospital appears to have been a success.  According to a report by the New York Commissioner's of Health only 267 people died from small pox in New York City 1862, about half the number of smallpox deaths in the preceeding few years when the hospital began.  Nearly all of those diagnosed with smallpox went to the Smallpox Hospital for treatment, though it was not mandatory.  Once there, boarders paid a fee of approximately $5/week and many died within a matter of days. 

In 1872, the New York Times reported "scandalous chicanery" associated with the hospital, including overcharging boarders and allowing a slimy undertaker named Mr. Slevin to monopolize burials of those who died there.  For example, Mr. Frieling, a healthy German, was stricken with smallpox and went to the hospital in early February 1872.  When he died the following month, nearly all the money he had on him was stolen.  In addition, the slimy undertaker Mr. Slevin charged his family more than $300 for the funeral, including such fees as $1 for his brother see the dead's face and $2 to the captain of the "Hope," the boat that carried the dead to the grave site.  In 1875, the hospital closed and became a training center for nurses.  It is unclear whether the scandal played a part in its closing.  In the 1950s, the training center closed and the building fell into disrepair.  According to the staff at Roosevelt Island, it became a hangout for vandals and mischievous youth who stole and graffitied the building.



Smallpox Hospital circa 1875 (Roosevelt Island was called Blackwell's Island)

The hospital is now a shadow of its former self.  Although the frame remains in tact, the roof has vanished.  According to the staff at Roosevelt Island, Renwick built the hospital with a copper roof, a rarity given the expense of the material.  At some point in the 1970s, the roof was stolen. 

The public may walk the perimeter but the hospital is now fenced off.  The staff at Roosevelt Island said that there have been recent discussions to build a larger building open to the public around the hospital ruins, but to leave the inner shell in tact.  Something similar was done to a nearby insane asylum which has been built into a fancy residential complex.  In any event, the Smallpox Hospital is one of the most romantic ruins of New York City, offering an eerie glimpse into a forgotten past.

View of Manhattan from the ruins today

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