Boston's Abandoned Hospital On An Island | Explored For 24 Hours
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- čas přidán 26. 08. 2024
- The history of Long Island Hospital in Boston Massachusetts dates back to the early 1600’s when it was first settled by the Native Americans.
But things would all change for the island in the late 1700’s when it soon became a defensive stronghold during the American Revolutionary War and again in the late 1800’s when it was used as a military camp during the Civil War.
Following the Civil War, the need for a dedicated facility to care for the sick and injured became obviously and increasingly apparent. At the time medical knowledge was still in its infancy and diseases such as tuberculosis, cholera, and the whooping cough were running rampant in the region. So in a direct response to this growing public health crisis, in 1882 the City of Boston began acquiring the land on nearby Long Island, an actual long, narrow island situated approximately 6 miles out into the abyss of the Boston Harbor. The hospital was specifically chosen to be built on the 225-acre Long Island, as the strategic isolation would allow for patients to be treated without the fear of a huge outbreak where many people could be in direct contact with the contagions.
After a few years of debate and reconfiguring use for the island, in 1894, finally the Long Island Almshouse was established. The Long Island Almshouse provided shelter and health care to immigrants, criminals, alcoholics, the disadvantaged, and to the indigent and poor.
By 1924, the hospital complex had gradually extended to now include over 20 different buildings; including residential buildings for staff so they could temporarily reside on the island without having to boat back and forth to the mainland. An account of the buildings at this time lists the superintendent’s house, an institution building, men’s and women’s dormitories, men’s and women’s hospital buildings, a chapel, a power house, and a recreation center with a library, shelter buildings, laboratories, and a morgue. The immediate land surrounding the hospital was cultivated for the use of both crop and animal production for its nearly 500 patients. It was also at this time that the hospital began focusing on the treatment of chronic and infectious diseases and the name was switched to Long Island Hospital to reflect this change, which still stands today.
By the 2000’s Long Island Hospital was still in high demand for medical care, however, a large portion of the complex was now being utilized for residential substance abuse treatment and as a homeless shelter. This shift was in large part due to the State of Massachusetts beginning to grapple with a deadly opiate epidemic, correlating to a fast growing number of homeless people within the City of Boston.
The shelter and social service programs were highly praised by some, but many also opposed it and scrutinized the authorities for discrimination, basically they felt that moving the addicts, alcoholics, and homeless to an island only shows segregation, racism, and classism. Despite the concerns, the island went on to succeed and would go on to help save the lives of hundreds, if not thousands of people who suffered from a vast array of mental health problems and other illnesses.
Sadly, this would all come to an abrupt end. In 2014, the hospital was forced to shut down all operations due to safety concerns related to the Long Island Bridges unstable infrastructure. This closure had a profound impact on the local community, as many residents relied on the hospital for their healthcare needs. The official closure and subsequent 2015 demolition of the crumbling Long Island Bridge surely sealed the hospitals fate after over 140 years of support and care to Bostons most underserved and oppressed populations.
In conclusion, the story of Long Island Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, is one of growth and resilience. From its humble beginnings as a small almshouse for the poor, to its renowned reputation for the care of infectious diseases, all the way to becoming a nationally recognized institution for substance abuse treatment, it has evolved into a leading healthcare provider throughout “Beantown” and the greater commonwealth of Massachusetts.
As of 2024, renovation work is underway and the once quiet and peaceful island is now a full on construction site. In the near future, it will be a brand new state of the art hustling and busting treatment center, sticking to its original roots and its now centuries old mission statement.
And that’s going to take us to the end of the today’s video on the abandoned Long Island Hospital. This documentary style video was truly something special for us, as it been years in the making.
For more photos from the hospital as well as our other locations, check out our website at abandonedcentral.com. And don’t forget to subscribe to Abandoned Central on CZcams so that you don’t miss any upcoming videos. Thank you for all the support friends!
Ok last comment : Long Island did save my life. It was beautiful out there in the spring/ summer. I really LOVED this video, brought back so much for me. Thank you for being respectful of the place ❤❤
Glad you enjoyed our video! Thank you for watching. We truly appreciate the support.
I really want to thank you. Documenting these buildings no matter what they are is incredibly important. You show a reverence to parts of our relatively recent history. This is a beautiful place even as it does decay
My grandmother died there in Long Island Hospital.
We knew a few people who were sent there because they were low income.
The island was beautiful.
Lots of wildlife.
Growing up in Boston, as teenagers, we used to drive out there often over the long skinny bridge.
You could either go to visit the hospital or go to the old Civil War fort at the end of the island to explore the ruins.
It had been considered a good place to build new apartments or condo high-rises, for the unobstructed view of the other islands and the Boston Skyline.
Plans were started and stopped for different deals, but nothing ever happened.
Then, they blew up the bridge and left the island and the buildings to just rot.
It's a shame.
Thanks for your comment Chris. We thought about trying to explore the Civil War Fort at the end of the island at night, but you have to walk past the active part so we decided to not risk it since we didn't explore the hospital yet. Its good they are finally starting renovations and hopefully will restore the entire island and put it to good use again.
@@abandonedcentral The fort has a lot of concrete areas that look like they were WW2 refurbishments.
A lot of it was very overgrown and a lot of it was crumbling, exposed original brick and collapsed tunnel entrances. There were a couple of rooms with the hole in the middle of the floor, to be able to oscillate a cannon or big gun, probably 20th century..
Among all the new growth of maple trees and sumac, were a few surprise open spaces filled with massive amounts of untouched daisys. Awesome photo op.
We saw at least one skunk and a raccoon. They nest there, so you really want to be careful.
I agree, do it in the daytime, for your own safety. The harbor view is amazing.
I hope you get to visit there sometime. i can't understand why they blew up the bridge, rather than maintain it.
The buildings of the hospital are all really nice. Colonial brick.
The entire place always has a peaceful, refreshing and cleansing feel to it. Like a step back in time.
I think one reason any larger development has been so long in the making, is sewerage issues and even more traffic on what used to be a 2 lane road.
I'm so happy I found this video. I grew. up in Boston and have gone by and seen the island from ferries, cruise ships, and boat tours. My paternal grandfather arrived in Boston in 1909 and I remember stories about Long Island from him and my dad. It's a great part of history that you documented that will be amazing to compare to the rebuilding of the island. Thank you for being respectful of the property and people's private info. It's a shame that all those medical supplies were not removed and used in places that really could have benefitted from them. Thank again, you have a new subscriber! Mike/Dallas TX
Wow, boat ride to the island, exploring an abandoned hospital with electricity and overnight, watching TV before sleep, what more can you ask for 😀👍
Haha for real. It was one of the best explores. Locations like this are extremely rare to come by.
I would drive my family members over there every week to visit another family member. It was a hospital at the time. I was petrified of the bridge. The smell of urine was so bad I had to wait outside
It was a nursing home end of life place. Not always for drugs
so glad this place will be saved and restored and not demolished like other hospitals. thank you for this explore since ive always wanted to explore this and thank you for treating the old campus with respect. much love
In the late 90s and throughout the 2000s, there were drug treatment programs and homeless shelters in this island , It's called Long Island. There's a shooting range down the road and a furefighter burn house for training . I lived in a 6 month halfway house for women called the Hello house and watched Spectacle island get built from the drit sdug up by the Big Dig project while out smoking cigarettes. Spectacle is actually in Quincy, and once the bridge broke down, Quincy fought the city of Boston on reopening.
THANK YOU - a video like this really needed to be made to explain the history of this place. I’m glad you explained the difference of Long Island Hospital and then the Recovery Center / Shelter because a lot of people think this was only a homeless shelter.
My uncle was the Ast. Hospital Director before the Hospital closed in ‘93, he then became the Ast. Site Manager afterwards for a few years. He said an older security guard told him some wild stories, including one about an FBI safehouse on the other side of island.
Ive had the pleasure of exploring the campus; it’s absolutely amazing. Great video and excellent job explaining the history!!
They could of donated that stuff to the shelters on the mainland, what a waste..So sad.
A few minutes in and I'm already hooked! Your content always delivers!
We greatly appreciate the support. Thank you for watching!
By far the best explore I've ever seen!. Just came across you guys but definitely subscribing and about to check out more of your videos!
Best comment we ever received! Thank you so much for the support. Glad you enjoyed this video.
You know me so well AC I love these kind of abandoned places thankyou, so glad you all got there and back safely the water looked pretty scary ❤
Glad you enjoyed it! We almost missed out on our opportunity to film this location but luckily it worked out last minute.
Billions for Ukraine but not enough to keep this hospital open and to build a new bridge. Love your work and incredible videos. Happy Memorial Day to you both.
Thanks for the support Katie! Glad you enjoyed this video. Very sad that America is supporting Ukraine in the war while we have homeless people all across our country.
Not billions as in actual cash. It's excess military equipment to help them against a homicidal dictator. Stop pushing the red hat propaganda.
Well done, this has to be the best place I have seen, next to St. Therese Hospital in my home town, which brought me to the channel.
You guys REALLY know how to explore! The tv was brilliant!
I love your guys videos, they are so well made. Thank you so much for posting them!
Glad you like them! Thank you for the support.
Omg this was amazing!!! I watched it twice because I loved it that much lol. IMO, this is the best explore you've done! I'm so jealous lol
You're the best! Thank you for the support Mary! Glad you liked this one. We worked on it for a while.
Yeah love the video's of the abandoned hospitals in the USA! Guys you rock! Greetings from Netherlands Friesland Harm&Anna 🇳🇱
Hospitals are one of our favorites to explore! Thanks so much for the support. Glad you enjoyed this video.
Ooooh WHO LET YOU OUT THERE 👀 I’ve had to spend time out there a couple of times 🤪 I’ve been wondering what has happened to the buildings!! THANK YOU SO MUCH
This was so interesting! You guys are really awesome! Thanks for a great explore and stay safe!
Me and my dad watch every video u guys post this is by far the best video u guys have done!
Wow thank you so much for the support Alex! That awesome to hear!
What disturbs me all the different supplies just left behind there's people out there that need them
Amazing exploration 🎉 thank you for sharing !!!
You're so welcome! Thanks for the feedback.
I went to college in Boston in the 80’s. I kept a map on my wall with pushpins and string to all the different spots I rode my bicycle. Probably should’ve started by saying that I was more into riding my bicycle in college than I was going to my classes Anyway,.after a ride to Castle Island from Cambridge I went a bit south and ended up in a really bad neighborhood. I had an alright bike, and it was clear when I reached the odd shoreline tenement housing outpost soon south of there that I’d begun to be pursued by people to rob me.. I spun peddles out of it fortunately and back to my apartment and put up another push pin and a string. I told myself I would never go near there again. Until I started looking a little closer at the map, I saw that a little further south of that hellhole neighborhood there looked to be a single or two lane bridge out to a small peninsula/island. I knew I had to check it out. I chose another approach for my next ride to explore it. I went across a bridge/kind of causeway where a guard was in a small booth, though I just rode right past him like I belonged there and he didn’t flinch or do a thing. Then again, he may have been lunchin’ out with his own issues. As in, what I learned to be called nodding out later in life. Anyway, the causeway bridge came to an end a few hundred yards after and I found myself at this place. And back then it looked the same as it does in this video, made in present day. I’m not kidding. The place was completely abandoned. There weren’t any cars parked there or any other signs of life. I looked up at one of these derelict buildings and saw a concentration-camp-thin shaven man staring through a broken paned window from a second floor room at me. The place was in shambles. And then one more face popped interview from another window, and then another, etc. I thought it was completely shut down, though I wasn’t naïve to think that these were ghosts, although it did seem like something out of American Horror Story in hindsight. It was a completely surreal moment, but it seemed that these were people without stable housing. Their sudden curiosity in my presence startled me and I peddled out of there and right past the guard gate with more self preservation than the previous ride. To my shock I learned afterward that it was still an operating facility of some sort, and that long term residents had been kept there after it had basically been shuttered. If anyone had seen the conditions they were kept in It though, I swear it would’ve made Geraldo Rivera’s story in Staten Island look like a joke. It was like a bad acid trip back in ‘86.
Fascinating documentary! Now what people forget is that hospitals are also businesses, and they can go out of business. The bigger the facility--the more staff they need, and they are quite costly. Now the danger being inside this abandoned building is the accumulation of mold; mold spores are in the air and can cause a massive infection as they start growing in lung tissue.
Pretty interesting for sure the way they made that hospital so far out. When I think of a hospital I think of a building that can be easily reached. Very cool and one of a kind explore.
Those wood floors are priceless!!
Yes they are! Hopefully they save as much of the original buildings as possible.
Crazy I spent about 60 days out there back in 2012 at a program. Place creeped me out back then and it was also one of the sickest I ever got in my life. There is a lot of abuse and neglect in the Recovery communities/programs still to this day. The food they would serve was so bad they would allow us to buy our own food once a week. Its a place I forgot till this video.
Sorry you went thru that and that our video brought back those memories 😔
@abandonedcentral It's all good! When it comes to the recovery aspect of the island as it's known in the recovery community overall it was good and bad at the same time. The programs on the island saved a lot of life's. In general addiction treatment in MA and the whole country needs an overhaul.
I first got sober in 2009 at 18, I've been sober since 2017. Because of programs I am alive but it took 9 different halfway houses. From those 9 I was able to see the good bad and ugly. I never thought I would work in the recovery field but I started advocacy work in 2010. Because of covid I left the culinary field as a sous chef and got my CADC and I'm 2 classes away from my LADC. Been working as a case manager since 2021.
Only way to get people to listen that can effect the changes was to get experience in field and licensed. Since 2009 I've lobbied for 3 law changes that passed. The most important was the good Samaritan law in relation to overdoses.
I'm just getting started, now I sit on city advisory boards and meet with DPH. No one should have to die because of someone's power trip or ego.
greate explore! Watching a DVD in an abandoned hospital is epic!
A night to remember for sure! Thanks for watching Matt!
Thank you for making this video the time and effort it takes must be insane their is so many medical things left behind and drugs as well
You mention milk of magnesia it called propofol they use it in icu units and surgeries
Thank you for this tour. I'd heard of it as being a New Hampshire gal
Also, now that Long Islnad is closed, all the people that could be out there receiving services are all down methadone mile
Perfect example of government waste and ridiculousness.
That was so amazing
Glad you enjoyed our video. Thanks for watching!
Wow what an amazing experience 👏👏👏💯🤘
Yes it was! Thanks for watching our video!
Adventure island , great video y'all
Thanks for watching Brett! Glad you enjoyed it!
in the last 20 minutes I found this place on google maps and was wondering if anyone had explored it, stumbled upon your video and got my answer
Thanks for watching. Hope you enjoyed it!
Fran! That Boat ride, was worth it! 🤑 The Best Content! As, always! I hope you guys, didnt leave that coke machine, unattended to! Wink! Wink!
Haha thank you! The boat ride was so last minute. We literally were about to leave town when we got the call that we can get dropped off. We truly appreciate the support 🙌
Great job guys, one of the best!
Thank you so much for the feedback!
I worked at the old hospital for a ouple months in '71. Toured the old bunkers then.
Mayor Wu is trying to get it up and running again.
Very cool explore!
What was your favorite part of this abandoned Long Island Hospital documentary? Drop us a comment and let us know!
I was waiting for this
We worked on this one for a while! Thanks for watching Tamika 🙌
Love this channel, it's real life sadly gone.
We greatly appreciate the support Robert 🙌
Eerily beautiful!
Thank you for watching!
I live here and didn’t know there was an island with a hospital on it!
You should see a lot about it in the news coming up as they start to prepare to construct the new bridge. Thanks for watching.
There was an old crematorium there when I was there in late 90s
at the time stamp 1:12 when you were showing the light fixtures, those fixtures date back into the 1950's, they are the preheat start type using starters( FS 4)
Hopefully they save them during the restoration.
@@abandonedcentral if the building is going to be restored, those light fixtures will hit the construction dumpster, and the ballasts will be removed and sent to a hazardous land fill due the PCB filled capacitors. I worked in a hospital as an electrician, and one of the buildings was slated to be torn down, so I removed all of the 4 foot light fixtures that had preheat ballasts, and were repurposed in my basement. these light fixtures had all the original ballasts, and the fixtures were built in 1950.
I was going to scope it out this summer because I have a boat and Kayak BUT I heard they have surveillance cameras AND a secret camp site am not risking it
Yea, they are out there everyday working now. Its probably still doable but def risky.
How much did your boat ride cost? I've been trying to go but haven't been able to find a way there for less than $1000 a person
2008 it was a homeless shelter it has no sharks, 2010 they shut down it's bridge.
No sharks in the ocean? How do you figure Brad?
Im just glad there saving this
Agreed. The buildings were getting pretty bad out there. Thanks for watching.
Yep I said the same thing why don't they protect yourself.
Those copy machines probably still work
1:15 shark infested ocean waters 😂😂😂
So you're saying there aren't sharks swimming in that water? Are you a complete idiot or just slightly slow?
@@abandonedcentral just say you’re not from the area
Abandoned since 2014 ,, that’s not centuries ?????
Never said it was abandoned for centuries?
@@abandonedcentral someone in the video did .
Thank you for sharing for us Urbex posers!. What an adventure! Thank you again.
Our pleasure! Thanks for watching Doug.
The thing is how they got All of building materials to that island back in the day
Yea I couldn't imagine that process back in the late 1800's. Thanks for all the continued support Robert!
@@abandonedcentral anytime abandoned central ✌️🙏👍😎
They call them boats
What’s with the weird audio
What's with the weird comments?
Hey guys that tv was for staff use only 😂
😂 😂
Sharks ,yes, infested ,no.
Go detroit!!!
супер!
✌
🙌🙌
I FUNNY TO WATCH YOU GUYS WALKING THRU A OLD HOSPITAL WITHOUT GLOVES OR MASK TO PROTECT YOURSELFS? IN AN OLD HOSPITAL>?? REALLY??? AND IN THE PAST THERE WAS COVID ???
Covid was around in 2014?
@@abandonedcentral no covid started in 2019 June still wear gloves and masks for your protection
Masks do not protect you from covid. SMH some people are sheep
That’s dramatic
It closed 10 years ago screwball. I bet you drive around alone with a mask on