From above, you can clearly make out LaGuardia airport where the East River meets Flushing Bay. Connected by the Francis R. Buono Memorial Bridge, what is the small island just north of the airport in the photo?

As you can see, Rikers Island is a 413.17-acre island in the East River between Queens and the Bronx. It's famously home to New York City's main jail complex, and has 10 jails on it. It was allegedly named after Abraham Rycken, who bought the island in 1664. It was originally just 100 acres, but has since grown to its current size.

Asked by Tom Cohen · Last updated 5 years ago · 1K views