Vintage prison photos from across America
These vintage prison photos and prints from across America aren’t just black-and-white images, they are a direct line to a forgotten past hidden behind high walls and locked gates. Let’s explore some of these old prison photos that shows a visual history that is as compelling as it is haunting.

Image Credit: Getty.edu
Windsor Prison
Windsor Prison, about 1865

Image Credit: J. Paul Getty Museum/Getty.edu
Guatemala Prison
Guatemala prison, photo taken around 1875–1876.

Image Credit: J. Paul Getty Museum/Getty.edu
Castle Thunder – Confederate Prison
Castle Thunder prison in Richmond, Virginia. photo taken around 1865–1875.

Image Credit: J. Paul Getty Museum/Getty.edu
Prison in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Photo taken about 1870.

Image Credit: J. Paul Getty Museum/Getty.edu
State Prison, Boston
Chain Shop in State Prison, Boston. 1870.

Image Credit: J. Paul Getty Museum/Getty.edu
New York State Prison
Engine Room in New York state prison, June 1875.

Image Credit: J. Paul Getty Museum/Getty.edu
Sing Sing Prison, New York
Sing Sing Prison Dining hall, photo taken around 1860s.

J. Paul Getty Museum/Getty.edu
Massachusetts State Prison
Prison Yard at dinner time, about 1865.

Image Credit: J. Paul Getty Museum/Getty.edu
State Prison, San Quentin
Guard post in San Quentin state prison.

Image Credit: J. Paul Getty Museum/Getty.edu
Beatrice Cenci in Prison
Illustration of Beatrice Cenci in Prison, 1865.

Image Credit: J. Paul Getty Museum/Getty.edu
Sing Sing Prison Main Hall
Interior view of the Main Hall of Prison, east side, which is six stories high and contains 600 cells.

Image Credit: J. Paul Getty Museum/Getty.edu
New State’s Prison, Concord, Mass
Interior of a cell.

Image Credit: J. Paul Getty Museum/Getty.edu
Prisoners
Rebel Prisoners, Gettysburgh.

Image Credit: J. Paul Getty Museum/Getty.edu
Female Prisoners, Sing, Sing, N.Y.
Female Prisoners in Sing Sing prison N.Y.
Related:
- You’re not a real Boomer if you hate these classic movies
- Forgotten masterpieces: High-value treasures that were hidden away in everyday folks’ homes
Like MediaFeed’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.us.
AlertMe

