Elayn hunt biography

1835          The First Penitentiary:“The Walls,” Baton Rouge

Louisiana’s first State penitentiary, called “The Walls,” was located in the present-day downtown of Baton Rouge.

Little remains of that first penitentiary: only the Warden’s House is still standing.

1844          Convict Leasing System Begins

Since “The Walls” failed to be self-sufficient, the state entered into its first convict lease with McHatton-Pratt & Company.

This system would continue for the next 56 years and was only interrupted by the Civil War. Prisoners who were leased were forced to work under harsh conditions. Prisoners who remained at “The Walls” maintained the prison grounds and manufactured clothing and shoes for prisoners in factories.

1862          Civil War Occupation and Evacuation of Prison

During the American Civil War, “The Walls” was occupied by the Union Arm