The 1825 Cellblock
Every chapter in the history of criminal justice and incarceration in the United States has a few pages written about Sing Sing Prison. The 1825 Cellblock is a rare example of the architecture of confinement. Despite many attempts to demolish this monumental landmark, the massive stone walls have survived. This structure made mass incarceration and inhumane punishment easy to administer and greatly influenced the development of the penal system in the US.
Built in 1825, the historic Cellblock was the largest prison in the world at the time of its construction. It was 476 feet long, 44 feet wide, and originally four stories high. A total of 800 cells inside were designed to house one man but often had two. About the size of a modern-day yoga mat, the cells were seven feet long by three feet wide and six feet seven inches high. Eventually, two more stories were added increasing the total cells to 1,000.
The 1825 Cellblock was nicknamed "The Big House" and "Castle on the Hudson" and was considered to be the best prison plan in the world. Today it stands as one of the most important examples of early American history and the need for conversation around prisons.
Built in 1825, the historic Cellblock was the largest prison in the world at the time of its construction. It was 476 feet long, 44 feet wide, and originally four stories high. A total of 800 cells inside were designed to house one man but often had two. About the size of a modern-day yoga mat, the cells were seven feet long by three feet wide and six feet seven inches high. Eventually, two more stories were added increasing the total cells to 1,000.
The 1825 Cellblock was nicknamed "The Big House" and "Castle on the Hudson" and was considered to be the best prison plan in the world. Today it stands as one of the most important examples of early American history and the need for conversation around prisons.
