Visiting Anamosa State Penitentiary, Anamosa IA

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The central Iowa town of Anamosa boasts two claims to fame. The first as birthplace and final resting spot for famed artist Grant Wood (“American Gothic”). Second and more accurately infamously, home to Anamosa State Penitentiary which is a maximum security prison housing 1200 inmates. This is no ordinary appearing penal institution. The 130-year-old prison is an awe inspiring architectural wonder listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Nicknamed “The white palace of the west” for its white stone (now darkened with age patina), tours were given until the 1950s but no explanation as to what was actually toured given an active prison. There were even souvenir plates, bowls, pitchers and spoons which are displayed in the museum. The mammoth structure is an ornate gothic castle with 13 acres inside thick forbidding walls. The giant square facility was completely built by prison labor. Construction began in 1873 with stone from a local quarry and first cell block completed in 1881. Stone walls were finished in 1885. Additions were added over the years. Some sections are marked 1902. Each corner has a guard tower. There is a towering smoke stack. Bars cover large portholes and windows. You would never expect stone carvings at a prison. Stone column streetlights line the sidewalk. The administration building is impressive with its columns and patio resembling a southern mansion. The actual museum occupies an outside the walls building once a carriage house then a convict operated cheese factory until the guard in charge was murdered. You can step into a furnished recreated cell and learn John Wayne Gacy was once a “guest.” There are the expected displays: collection of shivs, shanks and other contraband weapons; prison arts and crafts; 1923 prison rule book; 1950 prison magazine; and guard artifacts. The museum is not exceptional when compared to other prison museums that are better. However, seeing the actual ancient prison remarkable still in business is a site to behold. Photo is Pixabay and not of Anamosa