Joliet Correctional Center is an abandoned 1850s prison located in Collins Street, Illinois that was closed after over a century in existence. The facility which was known by several names like the Collins Street Prison, Joliet Penitentiary, and Illinois State Penitentiary has been rotting in despair for 20 years now. 

Establishment of Joliet penitentiary 

Joliet correctional facility which was mainly built by prisoners’ labor was constructed in 1858. Made of pure limestone, the prison claimed historical significance for holding more than 1,300 prisoners in 1872. It was also one of the prisons in the USA that was used to confine Prisoners of the Civil War. Due to its large population, it had hundreds of contacts with the local businesses as it was cheaper to use inmates’ labor. A mattress factory was also established in the vicinity that employed several inmates. The prison at its initial stages of existence was both women and men (mixed-gender) facility until 1896 when they were separated. Throughout its operation, no major riots were recorded except for one guard who was killed by prisoners in 1945. 

Decline and closure of the prison 

Plans to close the prison began in 1917 when Stateville Correctional Center was constructed. This was later postponed due to the large number of prisoners that could not be accommodated in the new prison. For years, the plans were put on hold but were later revisited in 2002. The prison which still had no proper running water and no toilets in the cells was declared obsolete and the budget cut by the year 2002. Inmates and staff were transferred to Stateville correctional center and other prisons in the state. Old Joliet prison has deteriorated over the century making the buildings unstable and dangerous.

What is the current state of the prison? 

In 2018, Joliet correctional center was converted into a historical museum. Most of the buildings at the old prison property still stand strong. The windows have been subjected to vandalism and most of them have been broken. Arson was reported back in 2017 that nearly brought the building to its knees. The fire was contained before it got out of hand. Joliet correctional facility is open to the general public for tours around all the prisons. The tours are guided and come at a fee. Old Joliet prison has been used by various film Industries as a filming location. The first season of Prison Break was shot at the prison. Joliet Correctional Center is the best example of the old correctional facilities that were once looked up to by many but is currently the facility to learn from their historical mistakes.