rocky point psychiatric

In 1927 construction began on this 600 acre campus, creating 5,768 beds, a power plant, and industrial shops. The shops were both staffed by patients, creating everything from mattresses and brooms to furniture. The hospital opened in 1931 and was considred one of the bes-planned hospitals in the world.

This facility worked under the idea of a "theraputic suburb," supporting the ideals that leaving the noise and pollution of the city in favor of quiet simple suburban life would cure social ills. Before even a decade had past since the opening of its doors the hospital began to deal with issues common to other facilities of its time- understaffing, disease, and overcrowding. Patients were forced to bed down in every conceivable space, including day rooms and hallways.

1959 saw the population of this hospital spike at over 7,000 residents plus a staff of 2,000. After that year deinstitutionalization took hold, and population began a decline.

In the 1970s the center became mainly an outpatient clinic. Today less than 600 patients live on the grounds, mainly those who are seriously ill