Overview of Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman

The Mississippi State Penitentiary, often referred to as Parchman, is the oldest and largest prison in Mississippi, located in the rural Mississippi Delta. Established in 1901, it was originally modeled after a plantation and is known for its extensive farmland and historical connection to convict labor. Over the years, it has evolved into a maximum-security prison, housing more than 2,500 inmates, including those on death row. The facility has a notorious reputation for harsh conditions, and it has been at the center of numerous controversies regarding inmate treatment and violence. Parchman incarcerates male offenders of varying custody levels, including minimum, medium, close, and death row inmates.

 

Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman

Contact Information for Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman

  • Address: Mississippi State Penitentiary, Highway 49 West, Parchman, MS 38738, USA
  • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1057, Parchman, MS 38738
  • Phone Number: (662) 745-6611
  • Fax: (662) 745-6305
  • Email: Contact through Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) official site

Visiting Information at Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman

Visiting inmates at Parchman requires advance scheduling and approval. The visiting days typically occur on weekends, and visitors are required to follow a strict dress code and behavior guidelines. Here’s a breakdown of the visiting process:

  • Visiting Hours: Vary by unit but generally occur on Saturdays and Sundays between 9 AM to 3 PM. It’s recommended to contact the prison for exact times as they may vary by inmate custody level.
  • What to Bring: A valid photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport) and proof of relationship or pre-approval for visits. Items like bags, electronics, and excessive clothing layers are typically prohibited.
  • Visit Duration: The visit length can vary but usually lasts between one to two hours depending on the unit and inmate behavior.

How to Book a Visit to Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman

To book a visit, you must:

  1. Submit a visitor application: This is typically available on the MDOC website.
  2. Wait for approval: Only approved visitors are allowed entry.
  3. Provide required documents: This includes a valid photo ID and visitor approval confirmation.
  4. Limits on number of visitors: Each inmate can typically receive up to two visitors at a time, but this may change based on circumstances.

Directions and Parking at Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman

The facility is located in a remote part of Sunflower County, Mississippi, off Highway 49 West. Most visitors will need to drive as public transportation options are limited.

  • Parking: There is designated parking for visitors, but it can fill up quickly during visiting hours, so arriving early is recommended.
  • Driving Directions: From the nearest large city, Clarksdale, MS, take U.S. Route 49 northbound. Follow signage to the Mississippi State Penitentiary.

What is Life Like for Prisoners at Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman?

Parchman has garnered national attention for its overcrowded conditions and allegations of inadequate healthcare, violence, and poor mental health services. Inmates often experience harsh living conditions, including limited access to essential services and long periods of isolation, especially in restrictive housing units. In 2020, following several incidents of violence and inmate deaths, the prison underwent investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice, which revealed “unconstitutional conditions” due to understaffing and lack of oversight. Despite some efforts at reform, life for inmates at Parchman remains challenging.

 

Famous Prisoners at Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman

Parchman has housed several notable prisoners throughout its history, including:

  • The Freedom Riders: In the early 1960s, civil rights activists known as the Freedom Riders were imprisoned at Parchman for protesting segregation laws.
  • Willie Jerome Manning: Convicted of multiple murders, Manning’s case has attracted attention due to questions about the evidence used to convict him.
  • Gerald Gallego: Executed in Parchman’s gas chamber in 1955, marking the prison’s role in capital punishment.

FAQs about Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman

  • What types of inmates does Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman house? Parchman houses male inmates ranging from minimum-security offenders to those on death row.

  • How do I book a visit to Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman? Visit bookings require an application, approval, and valid identification. Book via the MDOC website.

  • What are the visiting hours at Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman? Visiting hours typically occur on weekends between 9 AM and 3 PM but may vary by inmate custody level.

  • How do I get to Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman? Parchman is located on Highway 49 West in Sunflower County, Mississippi. Most visitors will drive, as public transportation is limited.

  • What can I bring to a prison visit at Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman? Visitors should bring a valid ID but are prohibited from bringing large bags, electronics, and unauthorized clothing.

  • What is the history of Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman? Established in 1901, Parchman started as a prison farm and has a long history of controversy surrounding inmate treatment.

  • Are there any notorious incidents at Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman? Yes, including multiple inmate deaths in recent years and ongoing investigations into unconstitutional conditions.

  • What is life like for prisoners at Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman? Inmates face overcrowded conditions, gang violence, and limited access to healthcare and mental health services.

  • Has Parchman ever been investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice? Yes, Parchman has been under investigation for unconstitutional conditions, including violence and inadequate healthcare.

  • Can inmates at Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman work while incarcerated? Yes, some inmates participate in agricultural labor and prison industries as part of rehabilitation efforts.

Conclusion

The Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman is a facility with a long, complex history and continues to be a focal point for prison reform advocates. Visitors should prepare carefully before scheduling a trip and remain aware of the rules and regulations in place. To learn more about ongoing reforms and conditions, visit the

Mississippi Department of Corrections
 

Sources:

Visit Palo Pinto Correctional Facility