The Ohio State Reformatory in Photos
The Ohio State Reformatory was a prison constructed in the 1880s, soon opening in 1896, with a focus of reforming inmates through religion, education, and learning a trade. Inmates were given 18 months in the prison, and if there was progress in the inmates being reformed, they would be released.
This was noted to be successful, with the prison attaining a low recidivism rate. However, by the 1960s, funding was withdrawn and the prison was converted to a Maximum Security Prison. The conditions got to the point where inmates sued the state in the 1980s, and won. This led to a new site being constructed nearby, and the prison closed in the 1990s. However, the reformatory has gained the status, by some, as the most haunted place in America, attributed to the 200+ people dying at the facility. Despite this, many famous movies were filmed there, including Shawshank redemption.
Today, the prison is open for admission and self tours. There are even overnight lock-ins, where people can choose to tour overnight in the dark.