Sing Sing -

In the early 19th century, the New York State Legislature recognized the need for a new, more humane prison system. In 1823, a commission was formed to investigate the feasibility of building a new penitentiary. The site chosen for the prison was a 130-acre farm in Ossining, which was then a rural area about 30 miles north of New York City. The construction of Sing Sing began in 1825 and was completed in 1826, with an initial capacity of 400 inmates.

Despite the strict regimen, life at Sing Sing was harsh and unforgiving. Inmates were often subjected to physical punishment, including flogging and hard labor. The prison’s notorious “Tombs” solitary confinement cells were particularly feared, with inmates often emerging with mental and physical health problems. Sing Sing

Under the Auburn System, inmates at Sing Sing were subjected to a strict daily routine. They would rise at 5:30 am, work for 10 hours, and then return to their cells for solitary confinement. The workday was filled with tasks such as farming, manufacturing, and construction. Inmates were also required to attend chapel services and educational classes. In the early 19th century, the New York