Documenting Ohio State Reformatory

In May 2024, I documented the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio—a towering symbol of 19th-century prison architecture and one of the most iconic correctional facilities in the United States. Designed by architect Levi T. Scofield, the building blends Romanesque, Gothic, and Queen Anne elements to create a striking, castle-like facade. Construction began in 1886 and the prison officially opened in 1896, intended to reform first-time offenders through spiritual and vocational training.

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Over time, conditions deteriorated, and the facility became known more for overcrowding and harsh conditions than for rehabilitation. It officially closed in 1990 under a federal court order. While most of the surrounding prison complex was demolished, the central building was preserved thanks to the efforts of the Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring and maintaining the site.

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Today, the Ohio State Reformatory is best known for its appearances in film and pop culture—most notably The Shawshank Redemption—and for its growing reputation as one of the most haunted places in the country.