Joliet Correctional Center (Old Joliet Prison) | Joliet

The Joliet Correctional Center, commonly known as the Old Joliet Prison, is a historic penitentiary located in Joliet, Illinois, at 1125 Collins Street. It is one of the most iconic and enduring symbols of Illinois’ correctional history. The prison operated from its opening in 1858 until it was permanently closed in 2002. Today, the site serves as a cultural and historical landmark, offering public tours that showcase its architecture, history, and legacy.

History and Background

The Joliet Correctional Center was established in 1858 to meet the growing need for a state prison in Illinois. Constructed primarily from locally quarried Joliet limestone, the prison’s imposing and fortress-like design reflects 19th-century penal architecture, combining functionality with a sense of institutional strength.

Over nearly 150 years of operation, the prison housed thousands of inmates, including some notorious criminals. It gained national recognition and cultural significance, in part due to its appearances in popular media. The facility was famously featured in the 1980 cult classic film The Blues Brothers, where the character Jake Blues is released from the Joliet Prison, earning the nickname “Joliet Jake.” The prison also appeared in TV shows like Prison Break and films such as White Heat.

Despite its storied past, by the late 20th century, the facility had become outdated and costly to maintain. It was officially closed in 2002 due to budget constraints and deteriorating conditions.

Architecture and Layout

The prison complex covers a substantial area with several key buildings constructed in the distinctive Joliet limestone, lending the site a cohesive and recognizable look. Notable architectural features include:

Cell Houses: East and West cell blocks, designed to hold large numbers of inmates in traditional cells.

North Segregation Building: Used for solitary confinement and high-security inmates.

Cafeteria and Commissary: Areas where inmates ate and obtained goods.

Library and Chapel: Spaces for inmate education and religious services.

Fire House: Onsite facility to address emergencies.

The solid stone walls, barred windows, and heavy ironwork provide an authentic feel of a historic prison environment.

Tours and Visitor Experience

Since 2018, the Joliet Area Historical Museum has operated public tours of the Old Joliet Prison, turning the site into a living museum of penal history. Visitors can explore the prison through several types of tours:

Self-Guided Tours: Available daily during the warmer months, allowing visitors to walk the grounds at their own pace. Informational signs throughout the site provide context about the buildings and prison life.

Guided History Tours: These 90-minute tours are led by knowledgeable docents who share detailed stories about the prison’s history, inmate life, and notable events. Visitors see key areas such as cell houses, segregation, cafeteria, chapel, and the library.

Prison After Dark Tours: Offered in the warmer months, these tours focus on the darker, more dramatic history of the prison, including tales of riots, escapes, and notorious inmates. While atmospheric, these tours are historical and do not involve ghost hunting.

Flashlight Tours: Conducted on select nights in October, these self-guided tours let visitors explore the prison at night using only flashlights, adding an eerie dimension to the experience.

Tours provide a unique glimpse into the harsh realities of prison life in past centuries while preserving the architecture and history of the site.

Visitor Information

Hours: Tours generally run from May through November. Exact times vary depending on the type of tour.

Tickets: Must be purchased in advance online or at designated locations.

Accessibility: While some accommodations are provided, visitors should expect uneven surfaces and some areas that are not wheelchair accessible.

Safety: Closed-toe shoes and comfortable walking attire are recommended.

Restrictions: Large bags and backpacks are prohibited inside the prison.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The Old Joliet Prison is more than just a historic building; it represents the evolution of the American penal system and societal attitudes toward incarceration. Its cinematic legacy and prominent role in Illinois’ history make it a popular site for both education and tourism.

The site has also inspired interest in paranormal investigations due to its long history and dramatic past, though official tours focus strictly on historical facts.

Summary

The Joliet Correctional Center (Old Joliet Prison) is a fascinating historic site combining architectural grandeur, rich history, and cultural significance. From its imposing limestone walls to its place in film history, the prison provides visitors with an immersive experience of a bygone era of corrections. Through various tours, guests can explore the harsh realities of prison life, learn about notable inmates and events, and appreciate the preservation of this Illinois landmark.