The Columbus Ohio State Penitentiary, not to be confused with the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, opened in 1834. In the early 1900s, it was vociferously condemned by prison reformists and closed in 1979. The building was vacant for years until it was razed to construct a parking garage for the Columbus Bluejackets’ hockey stadium.
Haunting Foundations
Prison life was brutal with cruel punishments. There were dunkings in vats of water, sadistic whippings, a sweatbox, balls and chains and, beginning in 1885, executions. Cells were unheated, beds were straw mats, and there were lice and rat infestations and cholera epidemics. Food was meager, sometimes spoiled, and the “menu,” limited. Medical care, at best, was poor.
At least 1281 people died within the prison’s walls: 343 executed, 116 from cholera and 322 in a fire. In addition to these deaths, there were suicides, victims of violence, killing of would be escapees and those who died of natural causes.
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