Nevada State Prison: A Historic Look into Nevada’s Penal System

The Nevada State Prison, located in Carson City, operated for nearly 150 years, playing a significant role in Nevada’s history from 1862 until its closure in 2012. Originally built using sandstone from an on-site quarry, the prison housed various notorious criminals, including death row inmates, and conducted numerous executions. It was the state’s only facility for maximum-security prisoners until the 1970s, making it a central piece of Nevada’s criminal justice system.

In its early years, Nevada State Prison was vital to the local economy and community. Prisoners were engaged in industries such as manufacturing license plates, mattresses, and even operating a casino within the prison walls from 1932 to 1967. Today, the site is preserved as a historic landmark, offering guided tours that showcase the prison’s legacy, including the infamous death chamber, solitary confinement cells, and stories of attempted prison escapes.

Nevada State Prison

Nevada State Prison Contact Information

Visiting Nevada State Prison

Guided tours of Nevada State Prison are available, offering a unique experience to delve into its storied past. Tours generally last 90 minutes and occur during the spring and fall. Tickets must be purchased in advance, as tours often sell out quickly. The tours provide access to historic sections of the prison, including its death chamber and the eerie solitary confinement cells. For those interested in paranormal activities, ghost tours are also offered, highlighting the prison’s haunted reputation.

Visiting Hours:

  • Tours are typically held on Saturdays.
  • Tickets cost $20 per person and can be purchased online through the prison’s website.

What to Bring:

  • Photo ID
  • Comfortable shoes, as the tour involves walking through rough, uneven terrain.

How to Book a Visit to Nevada State Prison

To book a tour, visit the Nevada State Prison Preservation Society’s website and select an available date. Be sure to book early as spots are limited. You will need the following:

  • Full names of attendees
  • Valid photo ID for each visitor

Each tour allows for up to 20 participants, ensuring an intimate and educational experience.

How to Get to Nevada State Prison

Located in Carson City, Nevada, Nevada State Prison is easily accessible by car. From downtown Carson City, head east on E 5th St. The prison is located just past the Nevada Department of Corrections facility.

Parking Information: Free parking is available on-site for all visitors.

What is Nevada State Prison Like?

The atmosphere inside Nevada State Prison is both chilling and historically rich. Visitors can see first-hand the confined spaces where prisoners lived and the notorious “Hole” for solitary confinement. The death chamber, where over 50 executions occurred, remains one of the most notable features of the tour. Life inside Nevada State Prison was notoriously harsh, especially for those on death row or subjected to the gas chamber, which was operational until 2006.

Despite its closure, the prison remains well-preserved, with efforts from the Nevada State Prison Preservation Society to maintain its historical integrity. Visitors are often struck by the prison’s eerie atmosphere, which some attribute to the many reports of hauntings.

Famous Prisoners at Nevada State Prison

  • Jesse Bishop – The first person executed after Nevada reinstated the death penalty in 1979.
  • Carroll Cole – A serial killer executed in 1985, the first inmate to die by lethal injection in Nevada.
  • Gee Jon – The first person in the U.S. executed by lethal gas in 1924.
  • Thomas Lee Bean – Infamous for his involvement in a first-degree murder case.

These notable figures add to the prison’s dark history and make it an interesting, if macabre, place to visit.

FAQs about Nevada State Prison

  1. Where is Nevada State Prison located?
    Nevada State Prison is located at 3301 E 5th St, Carson City, NV.

  2. Can you tour Nevada State Prison?
    Yes, guided tours are available through the Nevada State Prison Preservation Society.

  3. What famous inmates were housed at Nevada State Prison?
    Notable inmates include serial killers Carroll Cole and Jesse Bishop, as well as Gee Jon, the first person executed by lethal gas in the U.S.

  4. Is Nevada State Prison haunted?
    Many visitors and paranormal enthusiasts claim that Nevada State Prison is haunted, with reports of ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomena.

  5. When did Nevada State Prison close?
    The prison closed in May 2012 after nearly 150 years in operation.

  6. How can I book a tour of Nevada State Prison?
    Tours can be booked through the Nevada State Prison Preservation Society’s website.

  7. Are children allowed on tours of Nevada State Prison?
    Due to the nature of the prison’s history, the tours are recommended for adults and older children.

  8. What was life like for prisoners at Nevada State Prison?
    Life was notoriously difficult, with cramped living conditions and harsh punishment, especially for death row inmates.

  9. Does Nevada State Prison still execute prisoners?
    No, the execution chamber was moved to Ely State Prison in 2016.

  10. Is parking available at Nevada State Prison?
    Yes, there is free parking available on-site for visitors.

For more detailed history and to book a tour, visit the Nevada State Prison Preservation Society website.

Sources:

  • Nevada State Prison Preservation Society
  • Nevada State Prison Wikipedia
  • Nevada Magazine
  • Travel Nevada

Visit Nelson Coleman Correctional Center