Mecklenburg Correctional Center: Overview
Mecklenburg Correctional Center was a maximum-security prison in Boydton, Virginia, established in 1976 and closed in 2012. It primarily housed some of the state’s most dangerous inmates, including those on death row. The facility was known for its focus on prisoner rehabilitation in its later years, offering educational programs and job placement assistance to prepare inmates for reentry into society. However, the prison is best remembered for the notorious escape of six death row inmates in 1984, an event that led to major reforms in Virginia’s correctional system.
Contact Information for Mecklenburg Correctional Center
Although Mecklenburg Correctional Center was closed in 2012, its history remains significant. Before its closure, its location and contact information were:
- Address: 960 Prison Road, P.O. Box 500, Boydton, VA, 23917
- Phone Number: 434-738-6114
- Website: Managed under the Virginia Department of Corrections
Visiting Information for Mecklenburg Correctional Center
Before its closure, visitation at Mecklenburg Correctional Center occurred on weekends. Visitors could attend on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and all visitors were required to be pre-approved by the inmate. Visitors had to bring valid photo ID, and the prison enforced a strict dress code. Each visit typically lasted about an hour, although times could vary depending on the inmate’s status and the prison’s schedule.
How to Book a Visit at Mecklenburg Correctional Center
Inmates were required to submit a list of visitors for approval. Once approved, visitors could schedule their visits directly through the Virginia Department of Corrections’ visitation system. At least 48 hours’ notice was typically required for booking, and each inmate was allowed to have a limited number of visitors per session. Visitors needed to present valid identification and adhere to the dress code for entry into the facility.
How to Get to Mecklenburg Correctional Center
Located in Boydton, Virginia, Mecklenburg Correctional Center was accessible via U.S. Route 58. For those traveling from Richmond, they would take I-85 South towards South Hill, then proceed west on U.S. Route 58 for about 15 miles before turning onto State Route 386 South. The facility was about a mile down the road. Parking was available on-site for visitors.
What Was Life Like Inside Mecklenburg Correctional Center?
Life at Mecklenburg Correctional Center was notably harsh, particularly in its early years as a maximum-security facility. Inmates on death row were kept under tight surveillance. After the infamous 1984 escape, security measures intensified further. Over time, however, the prison adopted a more reformative approach, offering educational programs and work details to better prepare inmates for life after incarceration. Nonetheless, life inside remained tough, with limited freedoms and highly regulated contact with the outside world.
Famous Prisoners at Mecklenburg Correctional Center
The most famous inmates housed at Mecklenburg Correctional Center were the so-called “Mecklenburg Six,” a group of death row inmates who escaped the facility in 1984. The Briley brothers, Linwood and James, were among the escapees. Their bold breakout made national headlines and led to a complete overhaul of the prison’s security systems. All six escapees were eventually recaptured, and the event marked a turning point for the Virginia Department of Corrections.
FAQs about Mecklenburg Correctional Center
Where was Mecklenburg Correctional Center located? Mecklenburg Correctional Center was located at 960 Prison Road, Boydton, Virginia, in Mecklenburg County.
When did Mecklenburg Correctional Center close? The facility officially closed its doors in 2012 due to budget cuts and a declining inmate population.
Why is Mecklenburg Correctional Center famous? The prison is best known for the 1984 escape of six death row inmates, an event that led to increased scrutiny and reforms in Virginia’s prison system.
How many inmates could Mecklenburg Correctional Center hold? At its peak, the prison had a capacity to hold around 160 inmates, many of whom were maximum-security offenders.
What security measures were in place at Mecklenburg Correctional Center? After the 1984 escape, security at the prison was significantly tightened. Measures included better-trained correctional officers, stricter inmate supervision, and enhanced facility controls.
What happened to the land after Mecklenburg Correctional Center was demolished? The site of the prison was demolished in 2013, and the land was later zoned for industrial use. In 2023, Microsoft acquired the land for expansion of its Boydton data center.
Were there any rehabilitation programs at Mecklenburg Correctional Center? Yes, in its later years, the prison offered various educational and job training programs to help inmates prepare for reentry into society.
Can I still visit Mecklenburg Correctional Center? No, the facility was permanently closed and demolished in 2013. The land is now used for industrial purposes.
How do I find an inmate that was once housed at Mecklenburg Correctional Center? Inmate records from Mecklenburg Correctional Center can be accessed through the Virginia Department of Corrections’ online offender locator system.
What led to the closure of Mecklenburg Correctional Center? The prison was closed due to a combination of declining inmate numbers and the high cost of maintaining the facility.
Summary and Conclusion
Mecklenburg Correctional Center, once a maximum-security facility known for housing death row inmates, played a pivotal role in Virginia’s corrections system. While now closed and demolished, the prison’s legacy, particularly the daring 1984 escape, continues to be a point of historical interest. Today, the land is being used for industrial purposes, marking a new chapter for the Boydton area.
For more information on the history of Virginia’s correctional facilities, visit the Virginia Department of Corrections website
Visit McLennan County Jail