35 Facts About Abandoned Places New York

Hidden Gems of New York

New York is known for its bustling streets and iconic landmarks, but it also hides many abandoned places that tell stories of the past. These forgotten sites offer a glimpse into history, mystery, and sometimes even a touch of the eerie.

1. The New York State Pavilion in Queens was built for the 1964 World's Fair. Its futuristic design still stands, though it's now a ghostly relic.

2. North Brother Island in the East River once housed a quarantine hospital. Today, it's off-limits to the public, overgrown and decaying.

3. The Domino Sugar Refinery in Brooklyn operated for over a century before closing in 2004. Its massive, empty buildings are a stark contrast to the surrounding development.

4. Bannerman's Castle on Pollepel Island was a military surplus warehouse. A fire in 1969 left it in ruins, adding to its mystique.

5. The City Hall Subway Station, closed in 1945, is an underground marvel. Its elegant design remains intact, though it's no longer in use.

Forgotten Institutions

Many of New York's abandoned places were once bustling institutions. These sites now stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time.

6. The Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center in Wingdale was once a major mental health facility. It closed in 1994, leaving behind a sprawling, eerie complex.

7. The Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in Queens still operates, but many of its buildings are abandoned. These structures are slowly being reclaimed by nature.

8. The Letchworth Village in Rockland County was a residential institution for the mentally disabled. It closed in 1996, and its decaying buildings are now a popular spot for urban explorers.

9. The Kings Park Psychiatric Center on Long Island closed in 1996. Its massive, empty buildings are a haunting reminder of its past.

10. The Pilgrim Psychiatric Center, also on Long Island, still functions, but many of its older buildings are abandoned. These structures are a stark contrast to the active parts of the facility.

Abandoned Transportation Hubs

New York's transportation history is rich, but some of its hubs have been left behind. These places once bustled with activity but are now quiet and forgotten.

11. The Buffalo Central Terminal was a major train station. It closed in 1979, and its grand, empty halls are a testament to a bygone era.

12. The Rochester Subway operated from 1927 to 1956. Its tunnels are now abandoned, though parts are used for storage.

13. The Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital, part of the Ellis Island complex, has been abandoned since 1954. Its empty wards are a stark contrast to the restored parts of the island.

14. The Staten Island Boat Graveyard is a resting place for old ships. It's a hauntingly beautiful spot, with rusting hulls slowly sinking into the water.

15. The High Line, now a popular park, was once an abandoned elevated railway. Its transformation is a testament to the city's ability to reinvent itself.

Industrial Relics

New York's industrial past is evident in its many abandoned factories and warehouses. These sites are now silent, but they once hummed with activity.

16. The Glenwood Power Station in Yonkers was a major power plant. It closed in the 1960s, and its massive, empty halls are a popular spot for urban explorers.

17. The Red Hook Grain Terminal in Brooklyn was once a bustling grain storage facility. It closed in the 1960s, and its massive silos now stand empty.

18. The Ward's Island Water Treatment Plant was an important part of the city's infrastructure. It closed in the 1980s, and its decaying buildings are a stark contrast to the surrounding parkland.

19. The Brooklyn Navy Yard was a major shipbuilding facility. Parts of it are still in use, but many buildings are abandoned, slowly decaying.

20. The Yonkers Trolley Barn was once a hub for the city's trolley system. It closed in the 1950s, and its empty halls are a reminder of a bygone era.

Forgotten Entertainment Venues

New York's entertainment history is rich, but some venues have been left behind. These places once hosted crowds but are now silent and empty.

21. The Loew's 46th Street Theatre in Brooklyn was a grand movie palace. It closed in 1973, and its decaying interior is a stark contrast to its former glory.

22. The Victory Theatre in the Bronx was a major entertainment venue. It closed in 1986, and its empty halls are a haunting reminder of its past.

23. The RKO Keith's Theater in Flushing was a grand movie palace. It closed in 1986, and its decaying interior is a stark contrast to its former glory.

24. The Paramount Theatre in Staten Island was a major entertainment venue. It closed in 1977, and its empty halls are a haunting reminder of its past.

25. The Kings Theatre in Brooklyn was a grand movie palace. It closed in 1977, and its decaying interior is a stark contrast to its former glory.

Abandoned Homes and Estates

New York is home to many abandoned homes and estates. These places once housed families but are now empty and decaying.

26. The Vanderbilt Mansion on Staten Island was a grand estate. It has been abandoned for decades, and its decaying interior is a stark contrast to its former glory.

27. The Kreischer Mansion in Staten Island was a grand estate. It has been abandoned for decades, and its decaying interior is a stark contrast to its former glory.

28. The Bennett School for Girls in Millbrook was a prestigious boarding school. It closed in 1978, and its decaying buildings are a haunting reminder of its past.

29. The Halcyon Hall in Millbrook was a grand hotel. It closed in 1978, and its decaying interior is a stark contrast to its former glory.

30. The Grossinger's Catskill Resort Hotel was a major vacation destination. It closed in 1986, and its empty halls are a haunting reminder of its past.

Abandoned Military Sites

New York's military history is evident in its many abandoned sites. These places once played important roles but are now quiet and forgotten.

31. Fort Totten in Queens was a major military installation. Parts of it are still in use, but many buildings are abandoned, slowly decaying.

32. The Brooklyn Army Terminal was a major military supply depot. Parts of it are still in use, but many buildings are abandoned, slowly decaying.

33. The Fort Tilden in Queens was a major military installation. It closed in the 1970s, and its empty buildings are a stark contrast to the surrounding parkland.

34. The Camp Hero in Montauk was a major military installation. It closed in the 1980s, and its empty buildings are a stark contrast to the surrounding parkland.

35. The Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island was a major military installation. Parts of it are still in use, but many buildings are abandoned, slowly decaying.

The Allure of Abandoned Places

Abandoned places in New York hold a unique charm. They tell stories of the past, sparking curiosity and wonder. From the eerie halls of the Buffalo Central Terminal to the crumbling structures of Bannerman Castle, these sites offer a glimpse into history. Exploring them can be both thrilling and educational, revealing secrets long forgotten.

Safety should always be a priority when visiting these locations. Many are unstable or off-limits. Always do your research and respect any restrictions.

Whether you're a history buff, an urban explorer, or just someone looking for a bit of adventure, New York's abandoned places have something to offer. They remind us of the passage of time and the ever-changing landscape of our world. So, next time you're in the Empire State, consider taking a detour to one of these fascinating spots. You won't regret it.