Nikola Tesla hit by a car

Nikola Tesla lived at the New Yorker Hotel in Manhattan from 1933 until his death in 1943. While Tesla lived there, his daily routine consisted of a 15-minute walk to nearby Bryant Park where he fed the pigeons.

This is why in The Hesperus Prophecy, when Director Bowen learns about the MS Schwabenland from Malin Craig, US Army Chief of Staff, he brings along a bag of birdseed when traveling to New York City.

Nikola Tesla’s daily trips to Bryant Park were interrupted in late 1937, while crossing the street a couple of blocks from the hotel he was struck by a taxicab and thrown to the ground. He suffered from back trauma and three broken ribs, although the full extent of his injuries is unknown since Tesla refused to consult a doctor. It took him several months to recuperate from the accident, but he never fully recovered.

There are conspiracy theories purporting Nikola Tesla was struck on purpose by one of the many adversaries he cultivated during his career. In The Hesperus Prophecy, Tesla is also convinced his “accident” was a failed assassination attempt, resulting in even tighter secrecy. This is why Director Bowen brings James to the Potomac’s riverbank to discuss the government’s report on the SS Valencia, getting their shoes muddy and soaked.

New Yorker Hotel

Nikola Tesla is fond of pigeons

Bryant Park in the 1930s