The Long Island Farm Colonies:
Abandoned Kings Park State Hospital

Established in 1885, the Kings Park Asylum–like all of the Long Island Farm Colonies–helped alleviate the overcrowding in The City’s asylums. I found myself on its grounds with only a couple of hours to spare and was overwhelmed with how many structures there were, easily accessible as they sat decaying beautifully and colorfully within the borders of Nissequogue River State Park in Kings Park. Having a date with Angel Olsen back in Brooklyn, this first hasty trip would not be the last, especially with such ideal exploration conditions. I have to stress this ease again in a different way. I spied a family wandering about the buildings. Two little girls awed by the overgrowth. I also encountered a young man within the thick overgrown vines by the cottages who was determined to capture the calico cat that lounged about the abandoned home’s porch. Clear walking trails with dog walkers abound. A parking lot. Folks flying drones for aerial shots about the ruins. And the State Police stationed about who seemed tolerant of all of this activity… in the daytime hours. I entered none of the buildings, though many would be easy to enter. But decided I would on my next mission. This was a preliminary visit to learn the lay of the land. As you will see, there is much to cover.

The overgrowth at “The Psych Center” was so impressive.

The light poured through the many holes in the windows…

By the cottages. I plan to piece the grounds together and report a bit more of the history next time.

Liking that striped wallpaper

There is the cat!

A special sweetheart

This was interesting–bamboo overgrowth!

Oh deer.

Clear the walkway–on the Honey Do list.

Interesting graffiti

The famous Building 93.

This was the most colorful building.

Losing daylight, I explored one more area

I hated to leave with so much unexplored.