Tan limestone blocks rise up from the ground in Anamosa, Iowa, forming a tall and imposing structure that is also strikingly beautiful. To the casual observer, this might appear to be a castle-like mansion on an old English estate. The heavy metal bars in the windows tell a different story.

This is the nearly 150-year-old Anamosa State Penitentiary. Those stones were cut by inmates; those buildings were built with inmate labor.
Jan OR / TripAdvisor
Work started at a nearby quarry in 1873; three of the twelve inmates working there escaped from the quarry that same year. The first cell house was completed in 1874. Construction continued for many years with additional cell houses, an administration building, an infirmary, farm buildings, trades buildings such as a cannery, and a hospital all sprawled out on over ten acres of land, not including the quarry and adjacent farmland.
Jan OR / TripAdvisor
The name was initially “Additional Penitentiary,” which was changed to “State Penitentiary” in 1884 and then to “Reformatory” in 1907 to reflect some changes in its use. Still in operation today as Anamosa State Penitentiary, the facility has roughly 950 offenders and 320 staff and includes both maximum and minimum security areas. 
Bernardo F / TripAdvisor
Now for the scary part: it was determined in 1958 that some prisoners in the mental health unit had served up to 50 years inside these walls without being brought to trial or receiving treatment!
IA_Hawks / TripAdvisor
And, since somehow the crimes of the inmates have a way of blending with the history of a place, there’s more. John Gacy, one of America’s worst serial killers served two years here before his release and move to Illinois and subsequent killings. He famously said, "I’m locked up; they won’t let me out!" Another inmate, John Elkins, was only eleven years old when he murdered his parents and was sentenced to life, but he only ended up serving 12 years before being released in 1902.

Related Stories

The Seasonal Farmers’ Market In Iowa That We’re Absolutely Obsessed With

The Seasonal Farmers’ Market In Iowa That We’re Absolutely Obsessed With

 Enjoy A Sense Of Peace At This Incredible Waterfront Restaurant In Iowa

Enjoy A Sense Of Peace At This Incredible Waterfront Restaurant In Iowa

 The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through Iowa Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure

The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through Iowa Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure
Many more stories of tragedy such as fires, construction falls, and escapes dot the long history here, but not all is bleak. A recreation department built a baseball diamond and 700 inmates participated in the sport.
IA_Hawks / TripAdvisor
In 1874, the warden had difficulty getting fresh vegetables and so five acres of vegetables were planted on the prison campus. Later on, with more land, the inmates raised over a hundred pigs, had one of the early holstein milking herds in the state whose production was a source of pride for the institution, and planted orchards all with help and advice from Iowa State University. 
Susan M / TripAdvisor
Anamosa has provided thousands of inmates with rehabilitation skills and even offers Associate Degrees to inmates who participate in the educational programs offered, bringing hope for life outside the limestone walls.
Matt S / Google Maps
A museum adjacent to the prison displays the life of an inmate as well as the role of the guard through time. Lots of pictures aid in telling the story of Iowa’s largest prison.
OnTheRoadAgain1056 / TripAdvisor
Admission is $3 and the museum is typically open from Friday to Monday during the period from Memorial Day through October. However, it’s always best to call ahead at 319-462-2386 to plan out your trip.

Did you know the story of the Anamosa State Penitentiary? Have you ever visited its museum? If you are interested in scary stories, then be sure to read on, because The Story Behind This Haunted Iowa Bridge Will Give You Nightmares!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Anamosa State Penitentiary, 406 N High St, Anamosa, IA 52205, USA