Letchworth Village

Letchworth Village

Location	Rockland County
Address
Region
State	New York
Country	United States
Coordinates
Funding
Website	[ Official website]

Letchworth Village was a residential institution located in Rockland County, New York, in the hamlet of Thiells. It was built in 1911 for the physically and mentally disabled of all ages. Named after William Pryor Letchworth, a reformer in the treatment and care of the mentally ill, epileptics, and poor children, Letchworth Village consisted of over 130 buildings spread across a large area of land.

Throughout its history, there were reports of inadequate funding and improper care of the residents, including children. Instances of residents being found unclothed, unbathed, and neglected were documented as early as the 1920s. Abuse among the residents was rampant, and staff members also suffered abuse from their co-workers, including incidents of rape. In 1972, an exposé by Geraldo Rivera brought national attention to the institution.

In 1996, Letchworth Village was permanently closed down, and many of its buildings have since fallen into disrepair. The ruins of the village have become popular with ghost hunters.

Opening and Early Years

Construction of Letchworth Village began in 1911 on a 2,362-acre site. The institution was designed as a model for the treatment of the developmentally disabled, with separate living and training facilities for children, able-bodied adults, and the infirm. The architecture was inspired by Monticello, and the community aimed to provide a humane alternative to high-rise asylums. The able-bodied residents worked on communal farms, producing enough food and livestock to sustain the entire population until the 1960s.

Despite its initial vision, Letchworth Village faced numerous issues throughout its existence.