Located on the Occoquan River, resides the Lorton Prison. As known today, Lorton has been associated with violence and tense living situations. The origins of this prison stem from Progressive Era ideals that value reform and rehabilitation. Over the 91 years of being an active prison, it has strayed away from these ideals. However, it is not constructive to apply 1910 ideals on a prison 80 years later. Much of American culture and politics has changed and it would expect the prison to do the same. This website intends to look at how this prison had such a drastic shift in mantras within the 20th century. Along with looking at the historical context, I hope to humanize the experiences of inmates at Lorton Prison. To expand on the idea that just because they are in prison does not make them all inherently violent. Violence stems from “both prison culture and prison management” (1). While this does not justify or erase the violence that occurred in Lorton, it can explain why it happened. Additionally the prison staff shape how these prison cultures are created and how this impacts the inmates (2). With a facility that was once as large and relevant as Lorton Prison, it is crucial to not forget the mistreatment and violence that occurred in those buildings. However, with learning more about the prison conditions and the lifestyle it created, humanizing and sympathizing former inmates illustrates how prison conditions can impact someone whether it is good or bad.
- John Wooldredge, “Prison Culture, Management, In-Prison Violence,” Annual Reviews vol 3. (January 2020): 165-88, Accessed February 6, 2025.
- John Wooldredge, “Prison Culture, Management, In-Prison Violence,” Annual Reviews vol 3. (January 2020): 165-88, Accessed February 6, 2025.