Exploring the Dark History of America’s Correctional System Through Decommissioned Prisons
Decommissioned Prisons: Exploring the Dark History of America’s Correctional System
In recent years, urban exploration has become an increasingly popular pastime for adventurous individuals looking to discover the hidden gems and forgotten relics of our cities. One particularly intriguing area of exploration is decommissioned prisons, which offer a glimpse into the dark history of America’s correctional system.
Many decommissioned prisons are located in rural areas and have fallen into disrepair over time. Despite this neglect, these structures remain hauntingly beautiful with their towering walls, rusting bars and peeling paint. They serve as reminders of the difficult road that led to our modern understanding of rehabilitation and incarceration.
One such example is Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Built in 1829, it was one of the first prisons in the United States that aimed at reform rather than punishment. The prison was designed to hold prisoners in solitary confinement, with each cell having its own exercise yard and skylight. However, by the mid-20th century overcrowding had rendered this approach ineffective and Eastern State Penitentiary closed its doors for good in 1971.
Today visitors can explore this eerie gothic fortress on guided tours offered daily throughout much of the year. Visitors can see Al Capone’s cell – who spent eight months here during his sentence for carrying a concealed weapon – as well as other famous criminals like Willie Sutton or “Slick Willie” who escaped from Eastern State twice.
Another well-known decommissioned prison is Alcatraz Island off San Francisco Bay which operated from 1934 until 1963 when it was closed due to high operating costs caused by saltwater damage to infrastructure coupled with declining inmate populations. It would later reopen briefly again between 1969-71 but then once again be abandoned.
Alcatraz Island housed some notorious inmates such as Al Capone’s former hitman Frank Morris, who famously escaped along with two other prisoners in 1962. Today, visitors can take a ferry to the island and explore the prison on their own or through guided tours. One of Alcatraz’s most famous attractions is the cell once occupied by Robert Stroud, better known as the “Birdman of Alcatraz.” Although Stroud was originally sent to Leavenworth Prison in Kansas for murder, he gained fame for his years-long study of birds while incarcerated at Alcatraz.
Another decommissioned prison that draws attention from urban explorers is Ohio State Reformatory located Mansfield, Ohio. Built in 1886 as a way to reform juvenile delinquents, it later became overcrowded with adult prisoners and operated until its closure in 1990.
Today visitors can tour this impressive castle-like structure which served as the filming location for several well-known movies such as The Shawshank Redemption (1994) and Air Force One (1997). Visitors can see everything from death row cells to solitary confinement rooms during their visit.
These are just three examples of decommissioned prisons that offer insight into America’s correctional system. These prisons have become tourist attractions not only due to their haunting beauty but also because they tell stories about our country’s past.
Decommissioned prisons remind us of how far we’ve come since early days when punishments like flogging or branding were commonplace. They provide an opportunity to reflect on what we’ve learned about rehabilitation versus punishment over time and show us how far we still need to go towards true rehabilitation programs aimed at reducing recidivism rates after release from prison.
If you’re interested in exploring decommissioned prisons yourself be sure do your research first! Some sites may require special permits or have safety hazards associated with them such as asbestos contamination or unstable structures inside. However if you plan carefully these locations offer fascinating insights into our nation’s history that shouldn’t be missed.