The property, whose core has been in state control since 1854, historically housed a variety of facilities for providing services to the indigent or sick.

In 1854 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts acquired 175 acres (71 ha) of land in northern Monson, on which it erected an almshouse to provide facilities for poor immigrants fleeing the Great Famine of Ireland.

Over the first half of the 20th century the facility was expanded, growing to 72 buildings on 662 acres (268 ha) of land.

[3][4] After the facility was closed, the state planned to demolish nearly half the buildings, citing either their deteriorated condition or the presence of asbestos.

[5] In 2017, the state opened a request for proposals for redevelopment of about 256 acres (104 ha), representing most of the previously developed portion of the land.