The “Old Main” prison is located south of Santa Fe off N.M. 14. Built in the 1950s, “Old Main” was the state’s maximum security prison and had a capacity of 900 inmates. It was closed in 1998 by Governor Gary Johnson. Since then, the site has been used as a location for film productions including the 2005 remake of The Longest Yard as well as National Guard and New Mexico State Police training. There’s no electricity, heat, or cooling in the prison and wildlife has claimed parts of it. “Old Main” is best known for the violent prison riot that occurred on February 2 and 3, 1980.
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Blog: The New Mexico State Penitentiary “Old Main” Prison
Posted: December 2, 2012
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