QUEENS, NY – New York City is about to house 1,000 migrants at one of the cities once notorious insane asylums. On Thursday, residents line up outside the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center to protest the action.
New York City, often dubbed ‘The City that Never Sleeps’, is a buzzing metropolis known for its iconic landmarks, rich culture, and vibrant history. Yet, some parts of its past have faded into obscurity, only to be remembered by those who delve deep into the city’s history. One such forgotten tale is that of the Creedmoor Insane Asylum.
Established in 1912 in Queens Village, the Creedmoor Insane Asylum was initially a response to the city’s overcrowding of other mental institutions. The state intended it to be a state-of-the-art facility to treat mental illnesses with compassion and cutting-edge techniques.
Sprawling over hundreds of acres, the asylum was initially known as the ‘Farm Colony of Brooklyn State Hospital’, a reflection of its expansive grounds and agricultural focus. The idea was that farming and outdoor activities would be therapeutic for the patients.
Over the years, the population of Creedmoor grew exponentially. At its peak, it housed over 7,000 patients. However, with its growth came problems. As with many institutions of its kind during the era, Creedmoor faced accusations of neglect and abuse. Tales of patients escaping, dubious medical practices, and questionable conditions began to taint its reputation.
By the mid-20th century, stories about Creedmoor became the stuff of urban legends in New York. While some were baseless rumors, investigations into the institution uncovered some harrowing truths about patient treatment.
Large mental institutions like Creedmoor began to decline with the deinstitutionalization movement of the 1950s and 60s. The belief shifted towards integrating individuals with mental illnesses into communities rather than isolating them in large institutions.
Over the following decades, the population of Creedmoor dwindled. Many of its buildings were abandoned, serving as eerie reminders of its tumultuous past.
However, not all of Creedmoor’s legacy is dark.
Parts of the original campus still operate as the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center. It functions with a renewed commitment to compassionate care, emphasizing community-oriented programs and evidence-based treatments.
Now, it will be come a refugee center in the heart of Queens.