These Are New York State's Roughest And Toughest Prisons (2024)

One of many prisons in New York, this correctional facility began as the Matteawan State Hospital for the Criminally Insane in 1892. It housed many dangerous, insane criminals until 1977 when it was renamed Fishkill Correctional Facility. Today, it is a minimum security prison with a maximum security wing that houses 200 criminals. Notable inmates from the past include Izola Curry, who tried to assassinate Martin Luther King, Jr., serial killer Lizzie Halliday, and New York City's "Mad Bomber" Joseph Metesky. Get more details on the Fishkill Correctional Facility.

This maximum security prison near the Canadian border opened in 1845. Today, this famous New York prison has a capacity of a little over one thousand. Learn more about the Clinton Correctional Facility.

This maximum security prison is better known as Sing Sing. It opened in 1826 and today houses about 1,700 prisoners. One of the worst prisons in New York State, six hundred fourteen men and women were executed by electric chair at this prison before the death penalty was abolished in New York State in 1972. Many famous criminals did time in this prison, including serial killer Albert Fish, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, and numerous members of the Murder, Inc. crime syndicate. Read further on about the Ossining Correctional Facility.

Attica is one of the most famous New York prisons. It is located in western New York and known for being very tough. Many people remember the 1971 prison riot that took place here that resulted in 43 deaths. Many well-known criminals have spent time in Attica, including serial killers David Berkowitz, Joel Rifkin, and Kendall Francois. Head to the website for Attica Correctional Facility to learn more.

Riker's Island is one of the most well-known jails in the world. It is also one of the largest; on any given day, as many as 10,000 prisoners are held here. Almost anyone in New York City who has committed a violent crime has spent time in Riker's Island. Get more information about Riker's Island and its surroundings.

Auburn was New York's second state prison when it opened in 1818, and it is one of the oldest continuously operating prisons in the United States. Today, this famous New York prison is a maximum security facility and can hold up to 1,821 prisoners. Over the years, it has been the home to numerous mafia hit men, such as McKinley assassin Leon Czolgosz, serial rapist and murderer Robert F. Garrow, and William Kemmler, the first man executed by electric chair. Considering visiting Prison City Pub while you're in Auburn.

Green Haven opened in 1949. Today, it is a maximum security prison that holds more than 2,000 inmates. Famous prisoners include mafia boss John Gotti, gangster Joey Gallo, John Lennon assassin Mark David Chapman, and murderer Ronald DeFeo, Jr. Get more details on the Green Haven Correctional Facility.