Federal Correctional Complex, Terre Haute, Federal prison complex in Terre Haute, Indiana.
The complex consists of two separate facilities with medium and maximum security levels spread across a large site in Vigo County. Each facility has its own administrative buildings, housing blocks, and specialized areas for different forms of custody.
The prison opened in 1940 and served as the site for medical experiments on volunteers during World War Two. Between 1943 and 1944, 241 inmates participated in research on malaria transmission intended to help develop new treatments.
The central detention area shows traces of older construction styles with reinforced security wings separated by narrow corridors and multiple secured access points. Visitors notice the sober colors and strict order that define every room during clearance interviews.
All visitors must obtain approval in advance and present identification along with proof of relationship to the inmate. The dress code excludes certain colors and styles to avoid confusion with prison uniforms.
Since July 1999, a separate wing houses the death row unit for male federal inmates. The execution chamber within the grounds is used only for federal sentences and remained inactive for years before resuming operations.
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