Clinton Correctional Facility

Lore & Background

Built in 1844, the prison originally served as a site where prisoners were used to supply labor to local mines. This enterprise was not profitable, and by 1877, mining had ended. In 1887, new 60-foot-high walls were built. In 1892, the first prisoner was executed in the electric chair. In 1899, the Dannemora State Hospital was built on the grounds. In 1929, a riot led to prison reform. The Church of St. Dismas, the Good Thief was built from 1939 to 1941. On June 6, 2015, inmates Richard Matt and David Sweat escaped.

Reader's Guide

The prison is sometimes colloquially referred to as Dannemora, though its name is derived from its location in Clinton County. It is the largest maximum-security prison and the third-oldest prison in New York. The staff includes about 1,000 officers and supervisors. In the post-Furman v. Georgia period and prior to the 2007 repeal of the death penalty, it housed New York State's death row for men.

Did You Know?

• The southern perimeter wall borders New York State Route 374.
• Tupac Shakur served 7 months on a sexual-abuse conviction from March to October 1995 before being released on appeal.