Dannemora in Clinton County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

First State Hospital for Criminally Insane

Photographed By Kevin Craft, 2010

1. Marker establishing New York's first state hospital for criminally insane

Inscription. 1899 Governor Theodore Roosevelt signed bill establishing first state hospital for criminally insane - opened 1900

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #26 Theodore Roosevelt series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1899.

Location. 44° 43.366′ N, 73° 42.988′ W. Marker is in Dannemora, New York, in Clinton County. Marker is at the intersection of Cook Street (New York State Route 374) and Thayer Avenue, on the right when traveling west on Cook Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dannemora NY 12929, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. 1846 First School Erected (approx. ¼ mile away); Clinton Prison (approx. 0.3 miles away); Hattie Lyon (approx. 3.6 miles away); Saranac Iron Works (approx. 5.3 miles away); Soper Cemetery (approx. 6.8 miles away); Three NYSEG Sites (approx. 7.6 miles away); Beckwith Graveyard (approx. 7.7 miles away); Early Industrial Area (approx. 7.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dannemora.

More about this marker. The marker is located near the road in front of what Used to be the hospital. It is now an annex to

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the Clinton Correctional Facility, which is classified as a maximum security correctional facility for males 16 years of age and older. Clinton (a.k.a. Dannemora) is the largest and third oldest facility in the New York State correctional system, presently confining approximately 3,000 inmates. Clinton Correctional also happens to be the largest public employer in Clinton County. Its walls go right up to streets in Dannemora's main business district (which is a sight to behold). St. Dismas, a church built by inmates, is located within the walls. It is sometimes referred to as "New York's Siberia" due to the cold climate in Dannemora and the isolation of the area. Be advised that perimeter security frowns upon anyone taking a photo of the correctional facility. You may have your camera seized or have some quick talking to do.

Additional keywords. Dannemora, Clinton Correctional Facility

Photographed By Kevin Craft, 2010

2. Marker establishing New York's first state hospital for criminally insane

Original hospital in background.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 24, 2010, by Kevin Craft of Bedford, Quebec. This page has been viewed 1,720 times since then and 165 times this year. Last updated on June 28, 2014, by Kevin Craft of Bedford, Quebec. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 24, 2010, by Kevin Craft of Bedford, Quebec. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.