The first military prison and first federal prison was built here in 1874 and looked much the same through 1881.  Wooden fences were used at that time.

An estimated 6.5 million brick were kilned by inmates and every twelfth was stamped U.S.M.P.  As the prison was once called

Prisoners in the 1800’s under went torture in the dungeons.  The  tunnel systems still partially exist to this day

Hot-iron during 1860 era, mainly for desertions and occasionally for theft.

Empty solitary confinement cells.

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This is the story of a magnificent structure built by the inmates, brick by brick—some 6.5 million of them, Who quarried the stone and built the walls surrounding the prison.  It should have stood for 500 years

The United States Disciplinary Barracks (USDB), is enclosed in 40-high walls surrounding 12 acres of grounds. A visitor's first view was not oppressive.  The architectural styles of the buildings in the prison compound provided an air of security yet an awesome display of stately designed buildings. The human shows  men in brown fatigues walking singly or in groups; some carrying books, exchanging friendly greetings with each other or with staff members as they pass. There were no ranks and files of marching prisoners escorted by stolid armed guards, nevertheless, the old stone walls werecapped with gun towers clearly indicate that the prisoners within were not free souls to move about in society at their own discretion

It was not punishment for his or her offense but restoration of the individual to productive participation in society. This was the philosophy which structures the environment of the USDB, This was succinctly stated in its motto,

 “Our Mission –Your Future.”