2605 State Street
Oregon State Penitentiary on September 17, 2006
The Oregon State Penitentiary was Oregon's first state institution. It initially opened in Portland in 1851. It was established in Salem in 1866 and has operated on the same site ever since.
Oregon State Penitentiary on September 17, 2006
Historical Information about the penitentiary buildings is not readily available. By the mid 1950s the penitentiary had been extensively rebuilt. Although it has been extensively modified and has lost most of its original character, the main building seems to date to the late 1800s and may be one of the penitentiary’s original buildings.
Oregon State Penitentiary on September 17, 2006
In front of the main guard tower is a light post that copies the look of the large tower.
Oregon State Penitentiary on September 17, 2006
Here is a less photogenic view of the Oregon State Penitentiary from State Street across Mill Creek. This view gives a glimpse of the more modern buildings that make up most of the penitentiary.
Mill Creek at Oregon State Penitentiary on September 17, 2006
Mill Creek runs along the edge of the penitentiary property. Mallard ducks can often be found swimming there.
Mill Creek at Oregon State Penitentiary on September 17, 2006
Here is another view of the Mallard ducks in Mill Creek next to the Oregon State Penitentiary.
Old Oregon State Penitentiary Gates on September 17, 2006
At the corner of the penitentiary property is this old gate and gatehouse. I am not sure how old they are. From their orientation, it seems State Street may have originally led directly to these gates.
Old Oregon State Penitentiary Gatehouse on September 17, 2006
The gatehouse is no longer part of the penitentiary’s secure perimeter, and pedestrians can freely walk through. There is a bus stop nearby, so some visitors may enter the penitentiary property here.
Old Oregon State Penitentiary Gatehouse on September 17, 2006
Visible beyond the gatehouse is the penitentiary’s public parking lot.
Old Oregon State Penitentiary Gates on September 17, 2006
The gates seem to align with the driveway to the penitentiary parking lot, which makes me wonder of this was once the original alignment of State Street.
Old Oregon State Penitentiary Gates on September 17, 2006
The gate posts carry signs with the date the Oregon State Penitentiary was established in Salem. I am not sure if the gates themselves are that old.
Additional Links:
Oregon State Penitentiary at Salem Online History
Historical Photos:
Oregon State Penitentiary, unknown date (Oregon State Library)
Oregon State Penitentiary, 1880s (Salem Public Library)
Oregon State Penitentiary, 1903 (Oregon State Library)
Oregon State Penitentiary, unknown date (Oregon State Library)
Oregon State Penitentiary, unknown date (Oregon State Library)
Oregon State Penitentiary, 1940s (Salem Public Library)
Oregon State Penitentiary Dormitory, 1941 (Salem Public Library)
Oregon State Penitentiary, post-1968 (Salem Public Library)
Continue to 27: Oregon State Hospital – Cascade Hall…
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