United States Penitentiary

This federal prison in Pennington Gap houses men under federal custody across two sections with different security classifications. The main area holds inmates requiring higher levels of supervision, while a separate smaller section serves those with lower security needs.

Construction began in 2000 and finished two years later to accommodate a growing number of federal inmates in the region. Architects used computer modeling during the design phase to eliminate areas that would be difficult to monitor.

The facility maintains strict protocols for inmate communications, allowing scheduled visits and regulated correspondence to maintain connections between inmates and their families.

Visitor access is permitted on select weekdays during morning and afternoon periods, but strict screening and advance arrangements apply. All visitors should arrive with enough time and bring required identification documents.

Before construction, archaeologists uncovered tools and pottery fragments from prehistoric times on the site. These finds suggest the area was inhabited long before any modern development.

Location: Virginia

Location: Lee County

Inception: 2002

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

GPS coordinates: 36.70300,-83.00160

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:42