St. George Churchyard Cemetery, Astoria

This small but historically significant cemetery is located on the grounds of St. George Church in Astoria. Many members of the Blackwell family are buried here. The Blackwells were an influential New York family during the 19th century. Today's Roosevelt Island used to be called Blackwell's Island. Blackwell's Island was a penitentiary, equivalent to today's Rikers Island with thousands of mostly petty criminals incarcerated. There was a 1939 B Movie called Blackwell's Island. St. George Church demolished one of its old structures and replaced it with a modest apartment building. Money made from this apartment building will help support the church grounds, including this cemetery and the historic church building. The building that was demolished had an interesting claim to fame in Astoria history. Astoria was named after the wealthy businessman John Jacob Astor with the hope that Astor would donate money to help develop the area. He gave only $500 to a convent. The building that was demolished was that convent.