State Prison

Constructed in the 1950s, this former state prison has a troubled history dating back to its inception. Over the years, the facility underwent several changes, shaping it into the infamous correctional institution for which it became widely recognized. In its early years, the prison primarily served as a medium-security facility, housing inmates convicted of various crimes, that included assaults, theft, kidnapping, armed robbery, and murder.

As the prison population increased, so did the need for expansion and improvement. In the early 2000s, a major renovation project was launched to deter violence, prevent escape attempts, and accommodate more inmates. One of the notable features of the prison was its commitment to rehabilitation programs. The facility offered a range of educational and vocational opportunities including GED classes, job training, substance abuse counseling, and mental health services. These programs were aimed to help inmates successfully transition to life outside of prison upon their release.

By the late 2000s, the facility had garnered an awful reputation for being a dark den of despair and brutality with inhumane conditions were violence was a daily occurrence. Inmates complained about the meager portions and the subpar food quality. Some were malnourished while others were ill after being refused medical care. Despite the grim reality of life inside the correctional facility, there were always those who refused to be broken. They clung to any chance of hope and became resilient, finding solace in small acts of kindness and inmate fellowship in the surrounding darkness. Due to amount of inmate complaints and reports surfacing about the brutal conditions within the facility, state officials eventually intervened around 2010.

The state spent over $1 million on upgrades including state-of-the-art cameras and other security systems, and highly trained staff to ensure safety for all inmates, visitors, and employees. In the years before its closure, the institution added new measures to prevent contraband and violence within the facility. Despite this commitment to rehabilitation and safety, the institution faced uphill challenges including overcrowding and budget constraints.

Due to these challenges, prison officials implemented strategic solutions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the institution, but the changes proved too costly. The prison was permanently closed in 2020. From its humble beginnings as a medium-security facility to its final status as a notoriously violent correctional institution, the facility has undergone significant growth and development over the years. But for most, the prison is a living hell, a place where brutality reigns and humanity is a distant memory. As of 2024, the prison is still abandoned.

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