Ever seen Shawshank Repemption? This defunkt prison has a lot in common with it. It was built around the same time period, housed the same sort of criminals (big and small) and saw it’s share of breakout attempts.
The prison saw its first prisoner in 1872, and was largely built from there out by prison labor, which I’ll explain below. It remained operational until 1973 when a newer facility was built.
Didja Know?
Death row faced out into the courtyard, so everyone waiting for their justice day could see their fate.
One inmate awaiting hanging couldn’t stand being out of his own control, so he climbed up to the top of the cell block and threw himself four stories to the concrete floor below, and ultimately his death. I say “ultimately” because four stories wasn’t enough to kill him on the spot. He died shortly afterward from his injuries after hours of unimaginable suffering.
In part because of this suicide, later cell blocks were constructed separating the four floors into a pair of two floor units instead.
The outdoor gallows was a temporary structure, often taken apart in the years between uses. Eventually an indoor gallows was constructed, but it was used only once. Yes, you get to see that gruesome room too.
And for that matter, what I found interesting was that prisoners built the place. You can see the original (rough) buildings, and other, more refined buildings (newer by only 9-years) which showed a true craftsmanship in construction.
We even got to be locked in a cell for a few minutes. Hardest 180-seconds I ever served.
Despite all that, it really is a family friendly attraction. There are PG portions where you might want to take the opportunity to have a discussion with your children, but overall it’s nothing in comparison to what we see on TV every day.
Best part is adult admission is only $5 bucks, with kids 6-12 at $3 and under 6 being free.
If you’re making a day of it, there is a magnificent botanical gardens just outside the gate (in the former prison orchard) and a free Mineral Museum just to the left of the prison entrance. Makes for a very convenient day outing, if you can handle touring as hard as we do.
