Existing comment:
The audio tour pointed out that the cells with the flat bars, like these, were the older cells, dating back to when these were holding areas for Army screw-ups. The newer cells had round bars.
A-Block: The Army built this cellhouse in 1912. When it was remodeled into a Federal Penitentiary in 1934, A-Block was not modernized. It still retains the old flat bars and key locks of the military prison days.
During the Federal Penitentiary years, 1934-1963, prisoners were almost never kept in A-Block. These cells were used for study areas, typing rooms, and storage of cleaning materials. |