Abandoned New York: Smallpox Hospital

The Smallpox Hospital, often called the Renwick Smallpox Hospital, was designed by James Renwick Jr. Rewick was the architect behind St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the hospital opened its doors in 1856. Built in the Gothic Revival style, the hospital was created to confront the rapidly rising number of smallpox cases in New York City.

History

Even though the smallpox vaccine was available in New York City by the mid-19th Century there were still large outbreaks of the highly infectious disease. Most cases were found among newly arrived immigrants, many of whom had just reached America in search of a new life. Roosevelt Island (known then as Blackwell’s Island) was seen as the perfect spot for a smallpox hospital as it enabled quarantining away from the population of the city. Prior to the smallpox hospital being opened patients were being treated in makeshift wooden buildings along the riverbank.

The Smallpox Hospital was unusual in that it wasn’t reserved solely for charity patients. Due to the highly contagious nature of smallpox paying patients were allowed to stay, afforded a private space on the upper floors. Between 1856 and 1875 around 7000 patients were being treated at the hospital a year.

In 1875 the hospital closed for smallpox patients and the site became a training centre for City Hospital nurses. Between 1903-05 the two wings either side of the original building were added as the number of students grew. These wings give the building its distinction U shaped design you can see today. In the 1950s both the training school and maternity hospital closed.

Preservation

After its closure in the 1950s the building quickly fell into a state of disrepair. In 1972 the hospital was added to the National Register of Historic places marking it as New York City’s “only landmarked ruin”. Currently the hospital is going through a $4.5 million stabilisation project in the hope that it can be opened to the public once this has been completed.

With no roof or interior floors remaining, the vision is for visitors to eventually walk through the open‑air structure, sunlight filtering through the brickwork, and reflect on the city’s long battle against infectious disease. The structure will memorialise those who have died due to disease e.g COVID19, celebrate scientific advancement and frontline workers and praise the fight against infectious disease.

The remains of the Smallpox Hospital will be opened all year round and will be free to all once the stabilisation process is complete. It will provide a rare opportunity for visitors to see and walk amongst a ruin preserved within the city well-known for its modern skyscrapers.

Last Updated on 10 April 2026 by Leonie