Introduction
Looking for the best abandoned places on Long Island to explore? We got you covered!
Long Island, New York, is not only renowned for its stunning beaches and bustling city life but also harbors a hidden world of abandoned places waiting to be discovered. For adventurous souls seeking a unique and offbeat experience, exploring abandoned locations in Long Island can be an intriguing endeavor. From forgotten mansions to abandoned psychiatric facilities and mysterious military installations, Long Island is a treasure trove of forgotten history and eerie beauty. In this blog post, we will delve into the best abandoned places to explore in Long Island, delving into their stories, capturing their haunting charm, and uncovering the secrets they hold. Join us as we embark on a journey through time and step foot into the forgotten corners of Long Island’s past.
1. Kings Park Psychiatric Center
Location Address: West 4th Street, Kings Park, New York
Location Directions: HERE
The Kings Park Psychiatric Center, situated in New York, holds a profound historical significance in the field of mental healthcare. Established in 1885, the center was originally known as the Kings County Asylum, later evolving into the Kings Park State Hospital. The sprawling campus was designed to embody the “cottage plan” model, emphasizing a more humane and therapeutic approach to psychiatric care. With its beautiful architecture, expansive grounds, and self-sustaining farming operations, the center aimed to provide a healing environment for its patients.
At its peak, the facility housed thousands of individuals with mental illnesses, but as societal attitudes towards mental health shifted and community-based care became more prevalent, the center experienced a decline in population. In 1996, the hospital officially closed its doors, marking the end of an era.
Today, the Kings Park Psychiatric Center stands as a hauntingly captivating site, with its abandoned buildings and overgrown landscapes drawing the curiosity of urban explorers and photographers. The center’s legacy serves as a reminder of the evolution of mental healthcare practices and the ongoing efforts to support individuals with mental illnesses in a more compassionate and community-oriented manner.
2. Red Hook Grain Terminal
Location Address: Columbia Street, Brooklyn, New York
Location Directions: HERE
The Red Hook Grain Terminal is an iconic industrial landmark situated along the waterfront of Red Hook, Brooklyn. Originally built in the early 1920s, this colossal 12-story tall structure served as a vital hub for storing and distributing grain from around the world. Its towering concrete silos and distinctive red facade have made it a notable feature of the neighborhood’s skyline. Despite its historical significance, the Red Hook Grain Terminal has been largely unused since the 1960s and stands as a haunting reminder of the area’s industrial past. Efforts have been made in recent years to revitalize the terminal and repurpose it for various cultural and commercial ventures, showcasing the community’s commitment to preserving its unique heritage. The Red Hook Grain Terminal stands as a testament to the rich industrial history of Brooklyn and continues to captivate visitors with its imposing presence and untapped potential.
3. Knollwood Estate (Ruins of King Zog’s Estate) in the Muttontown Preserve
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Location Address: Intersection of Muttontown Road and Jericho Oyster Bay Road, Muttontown, New York
Location Directions: HERE
When it comes to expensive real estate, it is hard to top the Gold Coast along Long Island’s Northern Coast. Interestingly, one of the largest mansions ever constructed in the area was abandoned and fell into ruin. The Knollwood Estate was built between 1906 and 1920 for Charles Hudson who made his fortune in stock trading on Wall Street and in the steel industry. Hiss & Weekes was the architecture firm hired to build the mansion and they designed a 60-room home built of stone that featured classical columns and balustrades. When Knollwood was finished, it was truly a home fit for a King. Shhhhhhh, we are foreshadowing here.
Charles Hudson enjoyed the home for many years. It eventually changed hands in the 1950s when a very unique buyer made an offer to purchase the home. The buyer was none other than King Zog who ruled Albania from 1922 to 1939. Zog was born in 1895 and at age 27 he first served as Albania’s youngest-ever prime minister (1922–1924), then as president (1925–1928), and finally as king (1928–1939).
While ruling, Zog received a lot of support from the fascist Italian government ruled by dictator Benito Mussolini. Mussolini supported Zog but really only wanted Italy to thrive. Many Albanians were unhappy with Zog’s acceptance of Italian rule and a whooping 55 assassination attempts on Zog occurred during his short rule.
One of the key mistakes by Zog was signing the Treaties of Tirana. This pact brought Albania under the control of Italy, gradually transforming Albania into a protectorate of Italy. A key feature was the formation of the Albanian National Bank which acted as the country’s treasury despite being managed completely by Italian banks. When the worldwide depression of the early 1930s occurred, Albania could not survive without Italy and Mussolini successfully invaded the country. This led to Zog fleeing from the Italians and the Alabnias who he failed in 1939.
Zog fled all over Europe starting in Greece and then going to Turkey, Romania, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, France, and many other countries. After brief stops in many countries, Zog and his family found residency at The Ritz in London. Zog eventually left Europe in 1946 to live in Egypt and in 1951 he purchased the Knollwood estate in Muttontown, New York. Zog never ended up occupying the home, despite grand visions of owning the property and potentially starting his own little kingdom in the United States. In 1955, the home was listed back on the market, but it was a hard sell due to its poor condition. Vandals and looters broke into the home to take belongings and look for any possible treasures that Zog was storing.
4. Calvert Vaux Cove
Location Address: 424 Bay 44th Street, Brooklyn, New York
Location Directions: HERE
Calvert Vaux Cove, located in Brooklyn, New York, is a serene and picturesque waterfront area that offers a tranquil escape from bustling city life. Named after the renowned architect who co-designed Central Park, Calvert Vaux, this cove embodies the same principles of natural beauty and harmonious design. Nestled along the waterfront, it boasts stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty in the distance. The cove’s lush greenery, gentle waves, and sandy beaches create an inviting atmosphere for relaxation and recreation.
At Gravesend Bay, on the edge of the park, there is a unique abandoned vessel turned over in the middle of the bay. There is not any information about what the vessel was, but it has clearly been resting in the bay for a while considering it is completely rusted.
5. Coney Island Yellow Submarine
Location Address: Calvert Vaux Park Greenway, Brooklyn, New York
Location Directions: HERE
Just a few hundred feet from Calvert Vaux Cove, visitors can check out the abandoned Coney Island Yellow Submarine. The iconic vessel, now in a state of decay, has been sitting just off the shore for over 50 years. Jerry Bianco, a shipfitter who worked at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, is the man who had the yellow submarine built. According to a rumor that was going around at the time, there were six German U-Boats with mercury ballast buried in the waters off Long Island, and Bianco intended to perform “salvage operations” to recover them, he told the Brooklyn Local publication. Following his successful attempt to find the U-bots, Jerry wanted to go after a new project with an opportunity to make some good money. He decided to set his sights on the sunken Andrea Doria ocean liner off Nantucket. He estimated the ship’s scrap metal to be worth approximately $6 million, and the solid silver figurehead to be worth $250,000. This is when the idea for the submarine formed.
In 1966, three years after the idea to find the Andrea Doria occurred, Jerry Bianoc had secured investment from a few wealthy individuals who backed his vision. Five years later, in 1971, the submarine, named the Quester I, was completed. It was painted yellow, not for The Beatles, but because that was the cheapest option available at the time. Bianoc was thrilled with creation and he set the launch date for the mission for October 17, 1971. To build excitement he invited many members of the media to witness the launching.
When the 17th of October rolled around, Bianoc had everything managed. He messed up on one tiny aspect which was the strength of the crane used to lower the submarine into the water. His crane rental maxed out at 75 tons, but the submarine was 10 pounds heavier than the limit. To avoid pushing the crane beyond its limits, Bianoc removed the ballasts for the lifting and decided he would add them back once the submarine was almost fully underwater. He told the crane operator his plan, but sadly the operator made a major error.
When dropping the submarine down, the crane operator did not pause for the ballast to be re-added. Inside, he dropped the submarine into the water and it immediately flipped over onto its side. Needless to say, the media had a lot to cover that day with the major failure. Furthermore, investors grew weary and decided to pull all funding. Although the submarine was able to recover, it never ended up leaving the harbor due to lack of support. It was anchored by the Silos until a storm in 1975 caused it to break free and move upstream to the shallower waters of Coney Island Creek, where it got trapped and has remained ever since. Some of the parts had been stolen before it came loose, making it unusable.
6. Jacob Riis Park Bathhouse at Rockaway Beach
Location Address: 157 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Queens, New York
Location Directions: HERE
The Jacob Riis Bathhouse was a major gathering place for tourists to Rockaway Beach when it was constructed in 1932. It was a magnificently tiled and sparkling gift to the city’s fortunate residents, with two octagonal red brick towers and sweeping curved changing rooms more reminiscent in form to Berlin’s long-gone Tempelhof airport.
But as time and neglect took their toll on the bathhouse, ownership was eventually given to the government Gateway National Recreation organization, which had plans to properly renovate the location, in the 1990s. However, money dried up after $20 million in renovation, and the bathhouse was abandoned. The bathhouse had its windows boarded up and was beginning to grow plants and sand dunes. Irene and Sandy, as well as the effects of time, completely destroyed the region. The bathhouse has not been opened in decades and it is unsure what the future will be for this unique structure.
7. Rockaway Beach Branch of the Long Island Railroad
Location Address: 92-29 Metropolitan Avenue, Forest Hills, New York (Varies)
Location Directions: HERE (Varies)
In Queens, New York City, in the United States, the Long Island Railroad owned and ran the Rockaway Beach Branch. The route split off from the Main route at Whitepot Junction in Rego Park and traveled past Ozone Park, across Jamaica Bay, and the Rockaways to Hammels, where it turned west to a station at Rockaway Park. Along the way, it made connections with the Far Rockaway Branch at Hammels, the Atlantic Branch close to Woodhaven, and the Montauk Branch close to Glendale. This branch was established in 1877.
Following a fire in 1950, the Jamaica Bay Bridge was closed, and the section of the line south of Ozone Park was sold to the city. After repairs, the city renamed the section the IND Rockaway Line and connected it to the New York City Subway system. The section to the north of the subway connection was closed in 1962. There are three plans for the line’s possible reuse.
Since the fire occurred 50 years ago, the abandoned elevated railroad line has been gradually taken over by nature. The train line is a disused remnant that can best be seen by homeowners peering out of their back bedroom windows. It is made up of overgrown embankments, collapsing trestles, falling telegraph poles, and deserted train stations. People on the streets can see the old bridges overgrown with trees and grass.
Although the railroad branch has been sitting vacant for decades, there has been some focus put into re-using the property. Friends of the High Line, a non-profit organization, set its sights on the old abandoned Rockaway Beach Branch and developed plans to turn it into a new public park. They aim to create a very successful development, just as they did with the west side High Line project in Manhattan. In 2014, the non-profit released plans to convert the overgrown abandoned three-and-a-half miles of railway line into a path for bikes, pedestrians, and artists. It will be named “Queens Way.”
8. Creedmoor Psychiatric Center
Location Address: 80-45 Winchester Boulevard, Queens, New York
Location Directions: HERE
The Creedmoor Psychiatric Center’s grounds in Queens Village, New York, have seen hundreds of thousands of psychotic patients, and their combined intensity permeates the area. Creedmoor is a universe unto itself, located well outside the city boundaries, right on the Nassau County line, where the concrete jungle swiftly gives way to suburban expansion. The structures have a deceptively antiseptic appearance at first, but they actually house memories of troubled minds, horrifying tales, and, in some cases, decade-high piles of pigeon poop.
The land of the psychiatric center was first acquired by the state of New York in 1870 to create the headquarters for the New York State National Guard. For over 50 years, many rifle tournaments occurred on the grounds until the center was shut down due to local complaints regarding the noise. In 1912, the National Guard abandoned the property. It was also in 1912 that Creedmoor State Hospital began operations by creating a farm colony for the Brooklyn State Hospital. During the early 1900s, there was the belief that fresh air and physical labor could cure many diseases from hysteria to dementia.
Creedmoor was home to about 150 patients in 1918 and they all lived in old barracks that were built by the National Guard. Over the next few decades, demand for the hospital surged. In the 1950s, the psychiatric center spanned hundreds of acres, had 50 buildings, and was home to over 8,000 patients. During the 1960s and 70s, the hospital saw a large decrease in patients due to the invention of new psychiatric medications like Thorazine along with a nationwide deinstitutionalization movement.
As patients left, the state began to find new uses for the buildings and land. In 1975, the Queens County Farm Museum was created using land which was previously farmed by patients. Additionally, some of the campus was used to create the Queens Children’s Psychiatric Center. In 2004, a few acres were allocated to the creation of the Glen Oaks public school campus, including The Queens High School of Teaching. Today, the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center is still in operation, but it only serves a few hundred patients instead of thousands. Many abandoned buildings remain on the campus, including the iconic Building 25 which is a notable urbex building for explorers who love abandoned Long Island locations.
It should be noted that a whole lot of craziness occurred at the hospital. There were inhumane electroshock treatments, involuntary commitments, and many hostile patients and staff members. In the 1970s before deinstitutionalization, there were six suicides, a shooting, a riot, 52 fires, 22 assaults, 3 rapes, and an attempted murder all reported within 20 months of each other.
9. Welwyn Mansion Ruins at the Welwyn Preserve
Location Address: 100 Crescent Beach Road, Glen Cove, New York
Location Directions: HERE
There is an incredible abandoned estate located on Glen Cove on the famous “Gold Coast” of Long Island’s North Shore. The history behind the home and how it ended up becoming abandoned is fascinating. The estate, known as Welwyn, was constructed in 1906 for Harold Iriving Pratt and his wife, Harriet. Pratt was the son of a very wealthy oil businessman named Charles Pratt who made his fortune in the late 1800s. Charles had acquired nearly 1,100 acres of land around Glen Cove during his lifetime and it was on this land that Henry would build his estate.
The Gold Coast Mansions of New York are iconic landmarks of the local area. When it came to building Welwyn, the architecture firm Babb, Cook, & Willard was tasked with designing the home. Welwyn was built in the Georgian style and featured many bedrooms and living rooms. The grounds surrounding the property were also immaculate. Harriet was an avid horticulturist and this passion led the family to create many gardens, paths, and greenhouses at Welwyn. The Olmsted Brothers firm, founded by the one and only Frederick Law Olmsted, worked with the Pratt’s on creating wonderful outdoor spaces. Along with maintaining the gardens at her estate, Harriet was a key horticulturist for major projects such as the 1939 World’s Fair in Queens along with the New York Botanical Gardens.
The Pratt family enjoyed decades of living at their grand estate. Henry passed away in 1939 and in 1969, Harriet passed. It was after Harriet’s death that the home was transferred to Nassau County as stated in their will. When Nassau County received the 200-acre estate, it struggled to determine what to do with the property. Welwyn was so grand that proper maintenance was not possible by the county. The gardens eventually became overgrown, the greenhouses started falling apart, and the mansion was slowly deteriorating.
The first new users of the old estate were interestingly the Nassau County Sheriff’s Department. The department was in need of a training center for its members. Each greenhouse had a cement basement and these were used to create a firing range along with a mock jail ciel. For several years during the early 1990s, the department utilized these spaces.
The next idea for Welwyn came from Boris Chartan who sought to create a Holocaust museum at the estate’s main house. Chartan founded the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County. The organization utilized the main house to host a museum and the neighboring garden to serve as part of the memorial. The center remains open to the public today.
To share the beautiful land with the public, the Welwyn Preserve was established. It features over 200 acres of land consisting of beautiful cobblestone paths, abandoned greenhouses, bridges, and a private beach. Exploring the abandoned structures at the preserve is super fun and should be on the top of everyone’s list who enjoys urban exploring.
10. Pilgrim Psychiatric Center (Pilgrim State Hospital)
Location Address: 998 Crooked Hill Road, Brentwood, New York
Location Directions: HERE
The Pilgrim Psychiatric Center, located in Brentwood, New York, holds a significant place in the history of mental healthcare in the region. Established in the early 20th century, it was originally known as the Pilgrim State Hospital, representing a progressive approach to treating mental illness. The sprawling 1,000-acre campus, with its distinctive architecture and expansive grounds, aimed to provide a therapeutic environment for patients.
At its peak in 1951, the center housed nearly 14,000 individuals seeking treatment for various psychiatric conditions. To care for these thousands of patients, there were about 4,000 staff members. With so many people in the development, it essentially became its own little city complete with its own police department, farm, church, powerplant, cemetery, post office, and water tower. More harsh therapies including lobotomies and electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) were introduced in the 1950s. The story of Beulah Jones, a patient there between 1952 and 1972 who got both of these therapies and was left severely disabled, generated the most well-known dispute around this issue. When pharmaceutical alternatives to institutionalization emerged, Pilgrim State Hospital and the other state hospitals soon started to collapse.
The significantly scaled-down Pilgrim Psychiatric Center is still standing today. In 1974, the original farm was bought, restored, and developed to create the Grant Campus of the Suffolk County Community College (formerly known as the west campus). There are a few abandoned buildings remaining on the campus and the future of these is unknown.
11. Camp Hero
Location Address: 1898 Montauk Highway, Montauk, New York
Location Directions: HERE
Camp Hero, nestled in Montauk, New York, is a place shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Originally built as a coastal defense military installation during World War II, it later gained notoriety for its rumored involvement in top-secret government experiments and conspiracy theories. The sprawling grounds of Camp Hero are dotted with remnants of its military past, including towering radar towers and underground bunkers. Its unique location on the eastern tip of Long Island offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Camp Hero’s enigmatic reputation is further fueled by legends of underground tunnels, mind control experiments, and extraterrestrial encounters.
Today, the area has been transformed into a state park, attracting visitors who are drawn to its rich history and natural beauty. Hiking trails, fishing spots, and stunning cliffs make Camp Hero a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether one seeks adventure, historical exploration, or simply to enjoy the coastal splendor, Camp Hero offers a captivating experience that continues to capture the imagination of all who visit. Don’t miss out on this abandoned Long Island spot!
12. Camp Hero Radar Tower
Location Address: Camp Hero Road, Montauk, New York
Location Directions: HERE
The old abandoned Radar Tower is one of the most iconic structures at Camp Hero in Montauk. The western portion of Camp Hero was given to the U.S. Air Force to be used as a long-range RADAR station when the Cold War got underway in the late 1940s. Over time, the RADAR facilities changed from being a direct aircraft interception system and early warning system to becoming a component of the wider SAGE system. Small short-range sets gave way to the enormous AN/FPS-35 long-range radar set as the RADAR technology developed over time. The enormous antenna for the AN/FPS-35 was left behind and is still there today. The unit was formerly known as the 773rd AC&W Squadron before being renamed the 773rd Radar Squadron (Sage) in 1963. The RADAR site was known as Montauk Air Force Station. The station shut down on January 31, 1981. On September 18, 2002, Camp Hero State Park officially opened to the public.
13. Battery 112 at Camp Hero
Location Address: Camp Hero Road, Montauk, New York
Location Directions: HERE
Battery 112 is an abandoned coastal gun battery that can be found on Camp Hero in Montauk, New York. This gun battery was constructed during World War 2 and it functioned as part of the Harbor Defenses of Long Island Sound. Battery construction began in March of 1942 and it was completed in June of 1943. In January of 1944, the battery was put into service and equipped with two 16-inch MarkII-M1 guns mounted on M4 carriages. These had the ability to fire 2,000+ pound projectiles over 25 miles. The guns weighed over 300,000 pounds each.
The two guns were casemated and separated by a common magazine and support facility in this single-level 16″ gun battery. Chain hoists that were mounted on an overhead track system were used to transfer the 2,240-pound shells from the magazine to the cannon loading platform. Both internal and external power plants provide electricity. With the exception of the gun ports and battery entrances, the whole installation was covered in soil. More cover was given by additional greenery and camouflage netting.
Following the end of the Second World War, Battery 112 was deactivated on February 7, 1947. The following year, in 1948, the guns and mounts were salvaged. Today, the abandoned gun battery is located in Camp Hero State Park. The concrete structure can still be seen today although all entryways have been blocked off. Despite it being closed, it is still a fascinating structure to see!
14. Battery 113 at Camp Hero
Location Address: Camp Hero Road, Montauk, New York
Location Directions: HERE
Battery 113 is another abandoned WW2 coastal gun battery that is essentially the exact same as Battery 112. Battery 113 was constructed from March 1942 to June 1943. When it went into service on January 12, 1944, it was equipped with two massive 16″ MarkII-M1 guns mounted on M4 carriages. The battery featured the same shell hoist system as Battery 113. Additionally, Battery 113 was also abandoned following the end of the Second World War.
Battery 113 is easy to access thanks to its location in Camp Hero State Park. Its entrances have been sealed, but it still is a very interesting structure to see. It is wild to see such a big concrete structure in the middle of the woods and it is still pretty camouflaged from the earth covering it.
15. Battery 216 at Camp Hero
Location Address: Old Montauk Highway, Montauk, New York
Location Directions: HERE
Battery 216 can be found right along the coast of Montauk, New York. It was built in 1943 to help support the Harbor Defenses of Long Island during World War 2. When the battery went into service on January 12, 1944, it was equipped with two 6-inch M1903A2 rapid-fire guns mounted on M1 Shielded Barbette Carriages. In between the guns was a magazine that stored powder and shells. This magazine was covered by dirt, grass, and trees to blend into the surrounding landscape. The guns were capable of firing 5 rounds a minute. Each projectile weighed over 100 pounds and could reach 15 miles in range.
Battery 216 was abandoned following the end of World War 2. It was part of Camp Hero and now can be found in Camp Hero State Park. Visitors are welcome to walk around the old gun battery and check out the area where the guns were once mounted.
16. “Jumping Jack” Power Plant
Location Address: 4110 1st Avenue, Brooklyn, New York
Location Directions: HERE
The ‘Jumping Jack’ Power Plant in Brooklyn, New York, is a notable and revered structure that has played a significant role in the city’s power generation history. Constructed in the early 20th century, this power plant stands as a symbol of the industrial prowess and technological advancement of its time. Its distinctive architecture, characterized by tall smokestacks and a robust exterior, is a testament to the engineering marvels of the era. The “Jumping Jack” Power Plant was named after the synchronized movements of its massive turbines, which created a rhythmic sound akin to a jumping jack toy. Although the power plant ceased operations several decades ago, it continues to captivate locals and visitors alike with its imposing presence and historical significance. The ‘Jumping Jack’ Power Plant serves as a reminder of Brooklyn’s industrial heritage and stands as a visual testimony to the progress and innovation of the past. This building is not open to the public and should only be admired from the outside.
17. Neponsit Health Care Center
Location Address: 149- 25 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Queens, NY 11694
Location Directions: HERE
Rockaway Beach forms the southern boundary of Neponsit Beach Hospital, which is situated on the south side of Rockaway Beach Boulevard immediately west of 149th Street. Three structures make up the hospital, two of which are beachfront. The McKim, Mead & White firm created the original building, which was constructed in 1915. It has a red-brick exterior facade and is four floors high. It has a “U” shape, with wings on the east and west that extend toward the shore. The structure overlooking the seashore had both enclosed porches and open-air balconies. It was designed to accommodate 122 patients.
The nurses’ apartment and power plant were added to the hospital as part of a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project in the 1930s and early 1940s. Dr. William Schroeder, Jr., the commissioner of the municipal hospitals, first announced the expansion in November 1929. The facility’s patient capacity was doubled by the expansion.
On January 7, 1943, the hospital was briefly shuttered in order to save fuel during World War II. The barrier dividing Riis Park from the hospital grounds was built at the same time as the conflict. On March 1, 1945, the hospital reopened when the US Public Health Service started renting it out to care for tuberculosis-stricken personnel. Veterans of the war were still treated in the hospital after the war by the Public Health Service. After brief lease extensions, it was given back to the city in 1950. The city struggled with decided what exactly to do with the property. It was eventually settled that the site would be used by the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation for patients with HIV/AIDS.
On September 7, 1998, tragedy came as a powerful hurricane pounded the Rockaway coastline. It was believed that the Neponsit hospital was about to collapse due to how brutally it had been battered. The residents of Neponsit were evacuated in the middle of the night on instructions from Mayor Giuliani’s administration. Without giving patients or their families any advance notice, they were crammed onto buses and transported in the dark to different nursing homes and hospitals. Two residents died as a result of the overnight evacuation, and another went missing for several weeks because the sick patients found it so terrifying. It has sat abandoned ever since.
18. Battery Baker at Fort Totten
Location Address: 502 Ordnance Road, Queens, New York
Location Directions: HERE
Battery Baker is a large abandoned coastal gun battery located on Fort Totten. This old gun battery sits on a peninsula along the northern coast of the New York City borough of Queens in New York. It was constructed during the Endicott Period when the United States sought to boost coastal defenses after a study determined that the country was lacking protection. Since New York City was a key area to protect, new fortifications were added to protect it from a sea attack. Construction of Battery Baker began in 1897 and it was fully completed in 1904.
When in operation, the battery featured four guns including two 3-inch M1902MI guns mounted on M1902 Barbette carriages and two 3-inch M1898MI guns mounted on M1898 masking parapet carriages. Shells and powder were stored on the first floor of the structure while the guns were mounted on the second floor. The projectiles were less than 20 pounds, so shells and powder were moved manually by hand.
Battery Baker remained armed during World War 1 and during World War 2. Following the end of World War 2, the guns and carriages were salvaged. This occurred on October 18, 1945. Following the guns and mounts being removed, the battery was abandoned. It sat completely abandoned for decades and was not open to the public until Fort Totten Park was established in 2001.
19. Battery Burnes at Fort Totten
Location Address: 502 Ordnance Road, Queens, New York
Location Directions: HERE
Battery Burnes is another abandoned coastal gun battery located in Fort Totten Park in Queens, New York. This battery was constructed during the Endicott Period from 1903-1904. When it was put into service in 1904, it was equipped with two 3-inch M1902MI guns mounted on M1902 carriages. Both the guns and mounts were manufactured by Bethlehem Steel in Pennsylvania. These guns were capable of firing a 15-pound projectile about 5 miles.
During World War 1, the battery remained armed. This was unique considering many other Endicott Period coastal gun batteries had their guns removed and sent overseas to aid allies. The guns remained mounted through the end of World War 2. After the Second World War ended, orders came for the guns and carriages to be salvaged. This occurred on October 18, 1945, and following the removal, the battery was abandoned. For over 75 years, the abandoned structure has been standing. Nowadays, it is open to the public for exploring as part of Fort Totten Park.
20. Battery Stuart at Fort Totten
Location Address: 502 Ordnance Road, Queens, New York
Location Directions: HERE
Battery Stuart is yet another of the abandoned coastal gun batteries located in Queens, New York on the grounds of the formed Fort Totten. This coastal gun battery was established in 1900 during the Endicott Period when the US sought to increase its coastal defenses. When Battery Stuart was put into service on December 11, 1900, it was equipped with two 5-inch M1897 guns mounted on M1896 balance pillar carriages. Both of these guns were manufactured at the Watervliet Arsenal in Watervliet, New York while the carriages were produced by The Detrick & Harvey Machine Company in Baltimore, Maryland.
As the years went on, Battery Stuart was called upon during World War 1, to help aid allies in Europe. Both of the 5-inch guns at Battery Stuart were ordered to be removed and shipped overseas for use. This was a common practice for Endicott Period guns considering they could be removed, shipped, and then re-mounted overseas at forts or on mobile carriages. Orders for Battery Stuart’s guns to be removed came on August 24, 1917. They were transferred to Morgan Engineering Company in Alliance, Ohio on December 17, 1917, and were then shipped over to France. The transfer was reported successful on July 18, 1918. Following this, the carriages at the battery were ordered to be scrapped.
Since 1917, Battery Stuart has been completely abandoned. Over these 100+ years, the structure has become very overgrown and is in very poor condition. The concrete core of the two-story battery can still be seen along with the two emplacements where the guns once were mounted. Visitors of Fort Totten Park in Queens can see this old gun battery on the western edge of the park.
21. Battery Mahan at Fort Totten
Location Address: 502 Ordnance Road, Queens, New York
Location Directions: HERE
Battery Mahan is yet another unique coastal gun battery that can be found in Fort Totten Park in New York. This coastal gun battery was one of the first constructed during the Endicott Period. This period lasted from 1890-1910 and it was inspired by Secretary of War William C. Endicott who believed the United States lacked proper coastal defenses. As a result, Battery Mahan, and many other coastal gun batteries, were built.
Construction of Battery Mahan began in 1898 and it was completed in 1900. On October 12, 1900, the battery was put into service and it was equipped with two 12-inch M1895 guns mounted on M1897 disappearing carriages. These guns were massive, featuring a barrel length of 36 feet and a weight of over 115,000+ pounds. Both were built at the Watervliet Arsenal in New York. They were capable of shooting 1,000+ pound projectiles over 10 miles. In order to move the shells and powder from the first floor to the second, two Two back delivery Hodges shell hoists were originally installed. They were later removed and updated with Taylor-Raymond shell hoists.
During World War 1, the United States Army began removing guns from Endicott Period batteries and shipping them overseas to help allies. Orders were received at Fort Totten to have the guns at Battery Mahan removed and shipped overseas. On July 18, 1918, a report was filed stating that the guns were successfully transferred for use abroad. Following this, the carriages were salvaged and the battery was then abandoned. For over 100 years, the structure has been falling into disrepair and getting reclaimed by nature. Today, the concrete structure remains standing and it is a fascinating structure to explore.
22. Battery Graham at Fort Totten
Location Address: 502 Ordnance Road, Queens, New York
Location Directions: HERE
Battery Graham is another forgotten structure that can be found in Fort Totten Park in New York. Construction began on this battery in 1896 and it was completed in December of 1897. To help defend New York City, the structure was equipped with two 10-inch M1888 guns mounted on M1894 disappearing carriages. Both of these guns were manufactured at the Watervliet Arsenal in New York and they were very large. The barrels of the guns measured over 28 feet and they weighed over 67,000+ pounds. Projectiles fired from these M1888 guns weighed 510 pounds with a range of about 15 miles. Considering the shells were so heavy, Taylor-Raymond shell hoists were installed to automate the process of moving shells up from the ground floor to the second floor.
23. Battery Sumner at Fort Totten
Location Address: 502 Ordnance Road, Queens, New York
Location Directions: HERE
Battery Sumner is another super cool deserted coastal gun battery at Fort Totten in New York. Construction of this gun battery began in 1897 and was finished in 1900. It was transferred to the Coast Artillery and put into service on March 4, 1900. When in use, the battery was equipped with one 8-inch M1888MI gun that was mounted on an M1894 disappearing carriage and one 8-inch M1888MII gun that was mounted on an M1896 disappearing carriage. These guns were both manufactured by the Watervliet Arsenal in New York. They were capable of firing 200-pound projectiles over 10,000 yards.
Battery Sumner featured two stories and was made of concrete. The ground floor of the battery was home to the magazines which stored shells and powder. The second floor was where the guns were mounted. Considering the shells weighed over 200 pounds, two back delivery Taylor-Raymond shells hoists were installed. No powder hoists were installed.
During World War 1, many of the coastal battery guns in the United States were dismounted for use overseas. Orders were sent to the men stationed at Battery Sumner on August 24, 1917, to dismount the guns and prepare them for shipping. The guns were transferred to Watervliet Arsenal on December 12, 1917. One of the guns was shipped to Canada, but the other remained at the arsenal and never was re-mounted. In May of 1918, the carriages were trashed and the battery was officially abandoned. For over a century, the battery has sat and the ruins can be seen today! It is fascinating to look at the old command posts, gun emplacements, and magazines today while imagining how things were many years ago.
24. Battery King at Fort Totten
Location Address: 502 Ordnance Road, Queens, New York
Location Directions: HERE
Battery King on Fort Totten in New York is another interesting disused Endicott Period coastal gun battery. It was constructed in 1900 to help defend New York City from any eastern attacks by sea. When in use, the battery was equipped with eight 12-inch M1890MI mortars mounted on M1896 mortar carriages. The guns were manufactured by the Watervliet Arsenal and the carriages were built by Robert Poole and Son.
The guns at Battery King were massive as they featured 11.5-foot barrels and weighed nearly 30,000 pounds. These M1890MI guns were capable of firing 700-1100 pound projectiles over 8 miles. During World War 1, many of the guns at Endicott Period coastal gun batteries were removed, but not at Battery King. Following World War 1, the battery was buried in the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration.
Abandoned Long Island Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of the best abandoned places to discover in Long Island, New York, we are left with a sense of wonder and fascination. From the decaying remnants of forgotten mansions to the eerie hallways of abandoned psychiatric facilities, each location tells a story of a forgotten past and invites us to ponder the passage of time. As we navigate these abandoned spaces, we not only witness the beauty of decay but also gain a deeper appreciation for the rich history and diverse landscapes that Long Island has to offer. So, grab your camera, pack your sense of adventure, and embark on a journey to uncover the hidden gems that lie within the abandoned corners of this captivating island. But remember, as we explore these sites, let us tread lightly, respecting their historical significance and leaving only footprints behind. As always, if you see “no trespassing” signs, respect the laws.
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