Rikers Island is a 413-acre prison island in the East River in the Bronx that contains New York City's largest jail. Named after Abraham Rycken, who took possession of the island in 1664, the island was originally under 100 acres in size, but has since grown to more than 400 acres. The first stages of expansion were accomplished largely by convict labor hauling in a…
Rikers Island is a 413-acre prison island in the East River in the Bronx that contains New York City's largest jail. Named after Abraham Rycken, who took possession of the island in 1664, the island was originally under 100 acres in size, but has since grown to more than 400 acres. The first stages of expansion were accomplished largely by convict labor hauling in ashes for landfill. The island is politically part of the Bronx, with a bridge being the only access available from Queens. It is part of Queens Community Board 1 and uses an East Elmhurst, Queens, ZIP Code of 11370 for mail.
Location: The Bronx, New York City
Established: 1932
Nearest city: New York City
Area: 413 acres (167 ha)
Governing body: New York City Department of Correction
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