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Introduction
The rise of prisons in the US, one may argue, stemmed from the racist tendencies that carried throughout American society after the Civil War. Although this may play a role, the more modern references to the rise of a federal prison system in the US revolve around leaders' ideas that society is the problem as a whole. The rise of prisons can be seen through the development of different forms of punishments and modern reforms that are placed in an ever changing system. -
Newgate Prison
Newgate prison, which is often regarded as the first modern US prison, is opened in Connecticut. It was used to house thieves and murderers. The ill treatment of prisoners here could be seen as a catalyst for the mistreatment of many prisoners throughout the history of the US prison system. -
The Pennsylvania System
A system that kept inmates separated at all times. Extreme measures, such as black hoods being placed over inmates heads when they entered facilities, were taken so that prisoners would never know their peers. -
Congregate System
The Congregate System, also known as the Auburn System, was used as an alternative to the Pennsylvania System that was widely popular during this time. This system was a combination of working labor in workshops with solitary confinement at night. This was a staple of the US prison system and continued for many years, influencing modern reforms. -
Eastern State Penitentiary
Eastern State Penitentiary is the first modern prison to open in Philadelphia. This is where solitary confinement and other forms of self reflection become popular in the reform system. These forms of imprisonment were used as a time for the prisoners to feel shame or regret for their actions. -
Where Do Criminals Originate?
Officials began seeking the origins of people who were committing crimes. This led them back to the idea that children lacking discipline fell victim to the crime that surrounded them. Some people also argue that the developing immigrant population in the United States could contribute to the rise in crime rates in urban areas. -
Society's Decay
There was a want to combat the society’s “decay” as a whole so practices were put into place to remove deviants from society. Often, it was leaders within the US government that took the initiative to address this decay. Andrew Jackson notably used this strategy as a way to campaign and push the idea that he would reform the lives of criminals. This took form in the prison system expanding which was often pushed by other federal, already established, prisons across the US. -
Jacksonian Era
The Jacksonian era brought about wanting to give prisoners tools to change. This incentivized leaders to change the way the federal prisons were run. -
Convict Leasing
Convict Leasing becomes a very common practice for many prisons throughout the US. This is when incarcerated people (usually black men) were leased out to work for private companies/individuals for cheap labor. -
Federal Prison System Established
At this time Congress passed the ‘three prisons act” which established the federal prison system as a whole. The first three prisons were USP Leavenworth, USP Atlanta, and USP McNeil Island which were operated without much oversight by the US Department of Justice. -
New Federal Penintentiary
Congress authorized a new federal penitentiary which served as a larger prison for all different kinds of offenders. -
Prison Labor
"Warden French marched prisoners every morning two and one-half miles (4 km) from Ft. Leavenworth to the new site of the federal penitentiary. Work went on for two and one-half decades." -
Harrison Narcotics Tax Act
Congress passed the Harrison Narcotics Tax Act, which restricted the sale of opiates and cocaine by making it a punishable crime. This tax act is often considered the country’s first war on drugs and explains a rise in the incarceration rates throughout the US. This allowed for more forced labor and expansion of prisons all over the country. -
First Federal Women's Prison
The first federal women’s prison was opened for female criminals in West Virginia. This was a way to keep men and women separate, trying to limit problems that could arise when they were together. This prison was very different from typical men’s prisons as it focussed on reform instead of punishment. Women were able to work on farms, perform office work, and cook as a way to keep them busy. -
Conclusion
US citizens highly value the prison system. It is a way to enforce laws and make sure people are law abiding citizens. The start of this system is something that has not so far changed from that of the modern system we know today. The level of reform that continues to go through the prison system is evident; however, many original characteristics still hold true. -