The New York Farmers Colony has an interesting, sordid history. It began as a poor house, before social security systems were in place. People unable to care for themselves were sent there to do farm labor. The produce of the farm was used to sustain it’s population as well export to local communities. The Sea View Hospital, which specialized in mentally handicapped children and adults, was located near by. Geraldo Rivera made his career when reporting on the abuse going on at Sea View. One of the workers, colloquially known as “Cropsey” was let go from Sea View and began camping in the now abandoned Farmers Colony. He soon began killing the mentally handicapped children around Staten Island. Local residents thought Cropsey was an urban legend until kids started disappearing – and then they found a body. Apparently only one of ~6 bodies have been found. It’s suspected that they might be buried under the NY Farmers Colony, where the only body was found.

A great documentary was put together about the NYFC called Cropsey. Check it out here:

http://cropseylegend.com/

While exploring, I constantly questioned whether the “crunch” under foot was a twig or a bone… 😛

March 29, 2016 at 4:16 am | Urban Ex