The Burlington County Prison

The Burlington County Prison Museum, located in Mount Holly, is a historic landmark originally designed by Robert Mills in 1811. The institution was a leader in the movement to create a secure and safe rehabilitation center for criminals. The prison remained in constant use until 1965.

Mills learned his love for architecture early on from his uncle and trained as a draftsman for the Capitol Building in Washington, DC. Mills was also recruited by President Jefferson to design his home in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. He eventually moved to Philadelphia and was then hired to construct the Burlington County Prison. Over the years, the building has not undergone many changes due to the architectural genius of its original structure. The concrete, brick and stone construction held sturdy and the cell doors remained in place. The prison was fireproof but not escape proof. Prisoners often escaped through the roof or through the passageway to the warden's house next door.

Many criminals convicted of a capitol crime were sentenced to life in prison or were executed through public hangings in the prison yard. The last execution took place in 1906. The prison was designed to hold 40 prisoners, but housed more than 100 inmates at times of overcrowded conditions.

The prison was designed for each inmate to have their own cell with a fireplace and small window. Each cell had a prayer book to ‘improve the soul.’ Cells were arranged in sets of four to house separate groups such as regular criminals, first offenders and women. There were also larger rooms to hold debtors, usually three or four at a time. These offenders were usually sentenced to work at the prison workshop or perform regular chores.

There is also a maximum security area with strategically placed windows and a floor to prevent escape from digging. These cells also did not have a fireplace. This area was also under constant surveillance.

The prison also had a workshop where prisoners could learn a trade. Prisoners also used their time to create art, which are now on display throughout the prison. Inmates could also tend to a garden during their outdoor time.

The Burlington County Prison conducts tours with the help of volunteer members from the Prison Museum Association. The museum is located on 128 High Street in Mount Holly. For group reservations and tours, contact (609) 256-5068. Information collected from the Burlington County Web Site.

For an extensive list of South Jersey Attractions, with links to websites and other information, check out our Attractions page.

Article continues below

---

advertisement

---

Author: Melissa Samuelson