The Haunting Ruins Of The New York City Farm Colony

Published November 15, 2013
Updated December 10, 2018
Foggy Exterior Farm Colony

Source: Flick River

Within the least populated New York borough of Staten Island there lies a forgotten forest, home to over two dozen crumbling buildings that once made up the historic compound known as Seaview Hospital. In 1915, Sea View expanded to absorb twelve nearby buildings that until then had been operating as the Richmond County Poor Farm, which was established in 1829.

New York City Farm Colony Interior

Source: Flickr

After merging with the Richmond County Poor Farm, the entire complex was renamed Sea View Farms, but remained a place where the desolate and destitute would perform manual labor in exchange for shelter and food. The occupants of these farms were often uneducated, suffering from mental illness, or other limiting ailments. Those who were healthy enough to work on the farms cultivated vegetables, fruits, and grains– enough food to meet the needs of the colony, as well as other institutions in the area. At one point, there were as many as 2,000 residents and patients residing there.

New York City Farm Colony Graffiti

Source: Flickr

But something else resided in Staten Island, as well as the whole of New York; a localized urban myth, one that has combined fact and fiction over the years; a serial killer archetype known only as “Cropsey”. Though stories of the legend naturally vary quite greatly, he is as much a part of the decrepit farm colony ruins as the buildings themselves, and is immediately recognized by name throughout the borough.

New York City Farm Colony Crumbling Entryway

Source: WordPress

After the federal adoption of the Social Security program, the population of Sea View Farms drastically diminished. Sea View closed in 1975, and by 1980 the city was fighting to see the historic structures remain in place. 70 acres of forest and crumbling structures were designated a city landmark in 1985.

author
Erin Kelly
author
An All That's Interesting writer since 2013, Erin Kelly focuses on historic places, natural wonders, environmental issues, and the world of science. Her work has also been featured in Smithsonian and she's designed several book covers in her career as a graphic artist.
editor
John Kuroski
editor
John Kuroski is the editorial director of All That's Interesting. He graduated from New York University with a degree in history, earning a place in the Phi Alpha Theta honor society for history students. An editor at All That's Interesting since 2015, his areas of interest include modern history and true crime.