United States Penitentiary, Leavenworth

United States Penitentiary Leavenworth is a federal correctional facility in Kansas, consisting of several multi-story buildings enclosed within a secure perimeter. The compound includes watchtowers at key points and a tall barrier wall surrounding the entire complex.

The facility began construction in 1897 as the first federal prison in the United States, with building work continuing for decades. Much of the early labor was performed by prisoners themselves, working under guard supervision throughout the project.

The name comes from Fort Leavenworth, a military post established in the 19th century near the Missouri River. The institution remains active today as part of the federal corrections system, though public access is limited to authorized visits only.

Visits require advance approval through the Federal Bureau of Prisons, with applications needing several weeks of lead time. Guests must follow specific dress code requirements and should expect thorough security screening, including metal detectors and bag inspection.

Quarries in the surrounding area provided the stone for the walls, making the facility largely built from local resources. During the building phase, prisoners lived in temporary housing and could watch the progress of their own cells being constructed.

Location: Leavenworth

Inception: 1903

Architects: Eames and Young

Official opening: 1903

Website: https://bop.gov/locations/institutions/lvn

GPS coordinates: 39.33083,-94.93583

Latest update: December 4, 2025 14:20