The Tombs: History Repeating Itself
By Laurie Lewis
Were it not for the headlines about deaths at the jail complex on Rikers Island---nine so far this year, nineteen in 2022---most New Yorkers would not think much about the city’s prison system. The average citizen does become aware of the penal system, however, when serving on jury duty in Manhattan, as I am now. Every day on my way to and from court, I pass several blocks of scaffolding protecting pedestrians during the dismantling of the jail known as The Tombs. What is coming down is the latest in a series of prisons in the same general location in Lower Manhattan, between Chinatown and Tribeca.
Were it not for the headlines about deaths at the jail complex on Rikers Island---nine so far this year, nineteen in 2022---most New Yorkers would not think much about the city’s prison system. The average citizen does become aware of the penal system, however, when serving on jury duty in Manhattan, as I am now. Every day on my way to and from court, I pass several blocks of scaffolding protecting pedestrians during the dismantling of the jail known as The Tombs. What is coming down is the latest in a series of prisons in the same general location in Lower Manhattan, between Chinatown and Tribeca.
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We've Been Writing!
From its earliest days, New York has been home to many creative, inventive people. They introduced an amazing array of innovations that were the first of their kind in the nation. Read about them in New York City Firsts, a book by Laurie Lewis. For purchasing information, see www.nycfirsts.com.
Central Park is one of the jewels of New York City. Alan Cohen wrote text to accompany full-color photographs for Central Park People. For information about purchasing the book, contact the photographer at harvey@kopel.us.
About "Take a Walk New York" Tours
We are a group of New York City licensed tour guides offering a New York experience that is beyond the standard fare. Let us take you on a walk through the greatest city in the world, and discover why New York is a place like no other.
