Page Introduction
This page is a continuation of the New York State Map Exhibit with specific information about 1650 through 1799.
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Development of New York State Institutions 1650 - 1799
1652 Beverwijck Almshouse Albany
Probably the first poorhouse in North America, and built on land given for the poor by the government of New Netherland to deacons of the Dutch Reformed Church, it pre-dates the one built in 1684 in the English colony of Boston. Under the Dutch system, the poor did not live in the building- they were boarded out with other needy village residents. It was a place for them to receive alms, food, clothing or goods, or to do assigned work.
(Image is from New Netherland Project publication "De Nieu Nederlanse Marcurius" Feb. 2000)
1658 New Amsterdam Almshouse New York City
Jacob Hendrickszen Varrevanger, surgeon to the Dutch West India Company, establishes tiny infirmary for the poor on Broad Street in the Dutch settlement of New Amsterdam (now New York City.) It still existed as a poorhouse and hospital in 1680 under English rule.
1736 Publick Workhouse and House of Correction New York City
The New York City Charter of 1731 provided for the construction of a municipal hospital at the cite of today's City "Hall. Paid for by taxes, New York's first publicly supported institution for dependent people was opened in 1736 and housed the poor who refused to work, the poor who were unable to work and the poor who were willing but unable to find work. It had a single room containing six beds. The construction cost New York City residents 80 pounds and 50 gallons of rum.