Louisiana State Penitentiary
Louisiana State Penitentiary, commonly referred to as Angola, is the largest maximum-security prison in the United States, holding some of the most notorious and long-term incarcerated individuals. The prison, often nicknamed “The Farm” due to its agricultural origins, is located on 18,000 acres of land in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana. Established in 1901 on the site of a former plantation, the prison has a capacity of approximately 5,000 inmates, with a significant portion serving life sentences. Angola’s history is steeped in a legacy of harsh conditions, which earned it the moniker “The Bloodiest Prison in America” during the 20th century.
Louisiana State Penitentiary History
Originally a slave plantation, the land that would become Angola was purchased by the state of Louisiana in the late 19th century. The prison was officially established in 1901, inheriting its name from the African country from which many of the slaves who worked on the plantation were taken. Over the years, Angola has become infamous for its brutal conditions and the significant role it has played in the state’s penal system. Today, it serves as the site for both the state’s death row and execution chamber.
Inmate Population:
Angola houses a variety of inmates, predominantly those serving long sentences, including life terms. The facility also hosts the state’s death row for male inmates. The prison is designed to manage and rehabilitate the most dangerous offenders within the Louisiana penal system.
Louisiana State Penitentiary Contact Details, Telephone and Address
Louisiana State Penitentiary
17544 Tunica Trace,
Angola, LA 70712, USA
Contact Information:
- Phone: (225) 655-4411
- Email: [Available upon direct inquiry with the penitentiary’s administration]
- Directions: The penitentiary is situated about 22 miles northwest of St. Francisville, Louisiana, accessible via Highway 66.
Parking:
Visitor parking is available at the main entrance, with shuttle services provided to transport visitors to the visiting area.
Read more information from the official website here
Louisiana State Penitentiary: How to Book A Visit
Booking a Visit:
To visit an inmate, individuals must be on the approved visitor list submitted by the inmate. The visitation list is reviewed and approved by the prison administration. Visits can be scheduled by contacting the prison’s visitation department.
Visiting Hours:
Visiting hours are held on Saturdays and Sundays from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Visitors must arrive before 2:00 PM to catch the final shuttle to the visiting area.
What to Bring:
Visitors are permitted to bring a valid ID, a small amount of cash (up to $100), prescription medications, and necessary items for infants. All items are subject to search, and specific rules govern what can be brought into the facility.
Visit Duration and Guidelines:
Visits typically last two hours, with a maximum of five visitors allowed per inmate at any one time. Non-contact visits are mandatory for inmates in segregation.
Conjugal Visits:
Conjugal visits are not permitted at Louisiana State Penitentiary.
Additional Information and Notable Inmates at Louisiana State Penitentiary
Notable Events and Programs:
Angola is well-known for hosting the Angola Prison Rodeo, a unique event held annually that attracts thousands of visitors. Inmates participate in various rodeo events, providing a rare glimpse into life behind bars.
Famous Inmates:
Among its infamous inmates, Angola has housed individuals such as Wilbert Rideau, a journalist and former death row inmate, and Elmer Wayne Henley, a serial killer involved in the Houston Mass Murders.