“5 Decaying Prisons and Jails Worth Exploring for Insight into the Criminal Justice System’s Past and Present”

Decaying prisons and jails are a unique type of urban exploration that can provide insight into both the past and current state of the criminal justice system. Here are five decaying prisons and jails that are worth exploring:

1. Eastern State Penitentiary – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Built in 1829, Eastern State was one of the first modern prisons in America with its revolutionary design featuring solitary confinement cells. The prison closed in 1971 but remains open for tours.

2. Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary – San Francisco, California
Alcatraz is infamous for being home to some of America’s most notorious criminals such as Al Capone and Robert Stroud. Although the prison has been closed since 1963, visitors can still tour the island and explore the cell blocks.

3. Ohio State Reformatory – Mansfield, Ohio
The Ohio State Reformatory operated from 1896 until 1990 when it was shut down due to overcrowding and inhumane conditions. Today it serves as a museum where visitors can see what life was like behind bars.

4. Kingston Penitentiary – Kingston, Ontario
Kingston Penitentiary opened in 1835 and remained operational until its closure in 2013 due to outdated facilities and high costs of upkeep. It is now open for guided tours during specific times of the year.

5. Joliet Correctional Center – Joliet, Illinois
Joliet Correctional Center operated from 1858 until its closure in 2002 due to overcrowding issues. The abandoned facility has become a popular filming location for movies such as “The Blues Brothers” and “Prison Break.”

Exploring decaying prisons and jails offers a glimpse into society’s past attitudes towards crime and punishment while also highlighting current issues within our legal system such as mass incarceration rates. However, it is important to remember that these places were once home to real people and should be explored with respect.