Central Prison

History: Construction was started on the state's first prison in 1870. Built by inmates using granite quarried just outside the prison's east wall, the four-story, Gothic Revival structure was completed in 1884. Before a 1931 renovation, the facility had just one well and spigot for all convict bathing. In 1939-41, an industrial building was added; in 1952-53, a new shop and main building were built; and between 1960-65, hospital and honor grade facilities were constructed. In 1954, all original turrets, battlements, spires, and pointed cupolas were removed after being condemned by the city building inspector. The prison was demolished between 1979 and 1984, replaced by the present facility. Sections of the original 20-foot stone wall are still standing. Sanborn Insurance Maps dated 1914 (left) and 1949 (right) show the original prison building. More information. March 2004.

 
Photographed March 25, 2004

"State Penitentiary, Raleigh, N.C." in Durwood Barbour Collection of North Carolina Postcards (P077), North Carolina Collection Photographic Archives, Wilson Library, UNC-Chapel Hill - Circa 1900-1910

 
Sanborn Insurance Maps

1300 Western Boulevard

See photos from 2013

Photographed March 21, 2004

Mountford Avenue beside Central Prison

June 2016 - Building since demolished.

This page was last updated on April 23, 2024.

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