Tour a really creepy old prison in the middle of Missouri’s capital.
The Missouri State Penitentiary is within the modern boundaries of Jefferson City and within sight of Missouri’s State Capitol Building. It seems to be a weird place to put a massive prison complex. However, the prison was not actually in Jefferson City when it was finished in 1836. Residents of the newly minted state capitol, as of 1822, wanted another reason to keep the capital where it was, so they built a giant prison. Apparently, that was a good thing?
They chose a spot overlooking the Missouri River. When the prison closed down in 2004, it was the oldest running prison west of the Mississippi. The complex grew over the 168 years it operated into a conglomeration of several structures. Some of which you can see on one of the prison’s guided tours, which I took. Obviously.
Jana Irving Housing Unit 1 was finished in 1905 for female inmates. Today, it serves as the main entrance.
Jana Irving You can see the state capitol from across the street.
Jana Irving There are some weird gargoyles like things above the door.
Jana Irving Snazzy.
Jana Irving Housing Unit A, built in 1868, is the oldest part of the prison.
Jana Irving Behind Housing Unit A is Housing Unit 5 A & B (1938).
Jana Irving Housing Unit A is a bit cavernous. It’s a bit more rundown that it should be since the prison only closed in 2004. After the prison closed, a tornado directly hit the prison and took the roof of this building with it. The building was open to the elements for a while.
Jana Irving Four floors of units, which you can all explore.
Jana Irving An 1800’s Era Cell. For nearly 100 years this building housed six inmates per cell. There was no heat nor running water. Prisoners bathed in river water collected at the river and lugged back up to the prison.
Jana Irving At least there was a window.
Jana Irving A very ancient artifact.
Jana Irving I went up to the second floor.
Jana Irving A shower room was put into the basement right next to the solitary confinement cells.
Jana Irving Prisoners in the solitary confinement were kept in complete darkness. No thanks.
Jana Irving Housing Unit 3 A & B, built in 1914.
Jana Irving This cell was once used by James Earl Ray, who assassinated MLK Jr.
Jana Irving A bit more light in this one.
Jana Irving A cell once used by Pretty Boy Floyd, around 1929.
Jana Irving Only slightly creepy.
Jana Irving Housing Unit 3 was divided into two sections.
Jana Irving The grounds of the prison had a bunch of workshops and factories and a death chamber. You can sit in the gas chamber if you want. I did not want. That’s even too macabre for me.
To be honest, I may have planned an entire weekend around this tour. It was fantastic. One of the retired guards gave the tour. If for some reason you find yourself in Jefferson City, check this place out!
Check out my next update where I explore more of the Ozarks!
or
Check out more posts on the state of Missouri!
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