Missouri State Penitentiary Tours, Former prison museum and tourist attraction in Jefferson City, United States
Missouri State Penitentiary is a former prison in Jefferson City now operated as a museum and historic site. The facility features stone walls, guard towers, residential cell blocks, and a gas chamber spread across extensive grounds.
Founded in 1836, this penitentiary served as one of the largest correctional facilities west of the Mississippi River for more than 160 years. The site operated continuously until its closure in 2004, after which it opened to public tours.
The tours reveal how inmates and guards interacted daily and how American correctional practices evolved over generations. Visitors gain insight into the social dynamics and human relationships that developed within the prison walls.
Various tour options are available including historical walks, ghost hunts, and photography sessions through different buildings on the grounds. Wearing comfortable shoes is recommended as the site covers large areas and involves substantial walking.
The gas chamber on the grounds, where executions took place between 1937 and 1989, remains intact and is accessible during guided tours. This chamber stands as a sobering reminder of a significant chapter in American correctional history.
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