Rikers Island is named after Abraham Rycken (later Anglicized to Riker), a Dutch immigrant who settled on the island in the mid-17th century. Rikers Island is located in the East River between Queens and the Bronx, in New York City. It was originally used for farming and later as a site for a city prison, which was opened in the late 19th century. Today, Rikers Island is known for its large correctional facilities, which house inmates from the New York City jail system. Despite its association with the correctional facilities, Rikers Island also contains a small park, which offers visitors a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the island and views of the surrounding area.
Abraham Rycken was born in the Netherlands in 1601 and came to the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam (now New York City) in 1638. In 1654, Rycken purchased a 100-acre tract of land on what was then called Hog Island, which was later renamed Rikers Island in his honor.
Rycken was a prominent landowner and farmer, and his family owned and farmed the island for several generations. The Riker family was also involved in the shipping industry and owned a wharf on the East River. During the American Revolution, the Riker family remained loyal to the British crown, and several members of the family served in the British army.
Today, Rikers Island is primarily known for its large correctional facilities, which house inmates from the New York City jail system. However, the island also has a rich history, and the Riker family played a significant role in the early settlement and development of the area.