This Prison Has Been Abandoned For 40 Years! Built In 1850's

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In today’s video we’re going to take you inside what we believe to have been the oldest abandoned United States location that we have ever explored - and if that wasn’t enough, it also happens to be an abandoned prison with one hell of a dark history.
Built way back in 1851 from quarried rock, this abandoned prison was called an “architectural masterpiece” from its initial inception and is still considered such today, nearly 175 years later. The building’s weathered stone Gothic Revival facade appears to still be intact; with its spires, turrets, slits, and parapet walls directly mirroring that of an old medieval castle.
Although the former prison has been abandoned for almost 40 years, it still stands as a significant historical landmark reflecting true craftsmanship of penal architecture from the mid 19th century. The jail's imposing structure and its distinctive, protruding central tower symbolize not only the hardened justice system of the time period but also the building’s overall function with its impressive aesthetic appeal.
During its operational years, the old prison housed a few notable inmates and played a crucial role in administering justice within the state.
Shortly before the prison closed in 1987, it had become the focal point of social change within the world of corrections, but unfortunately it was only after
it had long been plagued by its contentious history of racial discrimination and disproportionate imprisonment of minority individuals. The prison played a critical role in perpetuating criminal injustice in the state and was often criticized for inflicting emotional trauma on inmates that had come from low-income, poverty-stricken communities. This created increased concerns about the treatment of all inmates and led to calls for reform.
The mistreatment of inmates had gotten so out of hand that officials were forced to close the aging prison for good, highlighting the evolution of social attitudes toward justice, crime, rehabilitation, and discrimination. The closure also reflected shifts in public attitudes towards crime and punishment - mainly as many community leaders called for social equality when it came to housing prisoners in any lockup facility.
Although the jail was decommissioned in 1987, its legacy endures. Efforts for preservation and adaptive reuse have sparked ongoing discussions about certain factors being taken into consideration when it comes to historical preservation.
The potential demolition of this iconic building symbolizes a new era in which individuals across the nation are beginning to reevaluate historical sites in relation to their perpetuation of radical and often racist ideals and generational trauma. So with that being said, it seems that demolition of the prison is most likely inevitable - as many don’t want it to be a constant reminder of a regrettable era. However, there are still many protesting the demolition with some even wanting the former prison to become a museum, so it will be very interesting to see what happens in the near future.
As of 2024, the prison still stands not only as a relic of the past but also as a reminder of the complexities surrounding the historical narrative of justice in America.
Come along as we navigate the decayed rusting cell blocks, discover the former bomb unit still loaded with riot gear, pepper balls, smoke grenades, and a flame thrower, and witness first hand the historical abandoned prison that earned its moniker of “the 19th century’s most iconic building” before its gone forever.
And that will take us to the end of today’s video on this stunning 19th century abandoned prison with a disgraceful past. We hope that you all enjoyed the video and for more photographs from the prison, as well as our many other locations, check out our website at AbandonedCentral.com. And please don’t forget to like, comment, and most importantly subscribe to Abandoned Central on YouTube to make sure that you get all of our latest content. Thank you for all your support!