Letchworth Village, Former mental health institution in Thiells, New York
Letchworth Village is a vacant complex in Thiells, New York State. Red brick buildings stand between overgrown paths, some burned, others with collapsed roofs and broken windows.
The grounds opened in 1911 as a residential facility for people with disabilities and admitted thousands over the decades. It closed in 1996 after reports of poor treatment drew public outcry.
The cemetery sits one kilometer away and carries steel plates stamped with numbers that mark former residents. Some families added headstones later, but most graves carry only these numbered markers.
The buildings are not open to visitors, but the grounds are sometimes explored by photographers and history enthusiasts. Those who visit the area should watch for uneven floors, missing stairs, and collapsing structures.
A 1972 documentary about the facility showed overcrowded rooms and neglected residents, shocking television audiences. That program led to new laws for care facilities nationwide and marked a turning point in public awareness.
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