15 Notorious Prisons in America and Beyond You Can Visit Today
1. Eastern State Penitentiary – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, Eastern State Penitentiary was known for its solitary confinement cells and innovative rehabilitation programs. However, after its closure in 1971, it fell into disrepair and neglect until it was eventually opened to the public as a historic site.
2. Alcatraz Island – San Francisco, California: Perhaps one of the most well-known prisons in America, Alcatraz Island housed some of the country’s most notorious criminals from 1934 to 1963. Today, visitors can tour the island and see what life was like for inmates on “The Rock.”
3. Ohio State Reformatory – Mansfield, Ohio: Featured prominently in The Shawshank Redemption film, this imposing Gothic-style prison served as a reformatory for young offenders from 1896 to 1990. Although closed to prisoners today, visitors can take guided tours or even spend a night inside.
4. Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary – Petros, Tennessee: Built in 1896 and closed in 2009 due to overcrowding and poor conditions, Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary now offers tours that highlight its unique architecture and history as a maximum-security prison.
5. Moundsville Penitentiary – Moundsville, West Virginia: This gothic-style prison operated from 1876 until its closure in 1995 due to overcrowding and poor conditions. Today it is open for tours featuring paranormal investigations that have been conducted there.
6. Old Joliet Prison Park District – Joliet Illinois : Opened just before World War I , this historic structure has long been abandoned but attracts photographers who appreciate its haunting beauty
7.Fortress Monroe- Hampton,Virginia : Fortress Monroe is noted for being used by Union troops during the Civil War as a prison for captured Confederates. Today, it is open to the public and visitors can explore the historic fortifications as well as learn about its role in American military history.
8. West Virginia Penitentiary – Moundsville, West Virginia: With a history of riots, fires, and overcrowding, this Gothic-style prison operated from 1876 until its closure in 1995. Now open for tours that include an overview of life inside the walls and visits to death row.
9. San Quentin State Prison – Marin County California: Opened on July 1852 was California’s oldest prison that houses some of America’s most dangerous inmates . It has been featured in numerous movies like The Last Mile
10. Louisiana State Penitentiary (Angola) – Angola ,Louisiana : Established in 1901 Louisiana State Penitentiary is one of the largest maximum-security prisons in America with over 6000 inmates housed there today .
11.Stateville Correctional Center- Crest Hill,Illinois : Built-in 1925 using convict labor , Stateville became famous when it was featured prominently in John Grisham’s book The Chamber.
12.Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary – Leavenworth,Kansas : This federal penitentiary opened its doors back in1895 with the likes of Al Capone being held here amongst other notorious criminals.
13.Parchman Farm- Mississippi: Also known as Mississippi State Penitentiary located on Parchman farm which comprise more than18 thousand acres was established back in1912 .
14.Holmesburg Prison – Philadelphia,Pennsylvania : Shut down since1995 due to increasing complaints about human rights violation Holmesburg served as a place for medical testing done by University Of Pennsylvania researchers .
15.Bang Kwang Central Prison-Bangkok,Thailand : Known locally as “Big Tiger” Bang Kwang Central Prison houses prisoners serving more than25-year sentences and sentenced to death, with one of the toughest living conditions in the world.