US Oldest Jail - Ash Street Jail

James S. Cheshire, left, who is awaiting trial on using and selling narcotics waits his trial in his cell as next door, Hector Fernandes who is about to be released to a biblical program after serving time for violating his probation reads some of his lawyers paperwork. The Bristol County Jail & House of Correction located on Ash Street in New Bedford, Massachusetts was started in 1829, and is the oldest running jail in the United States. The Ash street jail, as it is known, has been a controversial facility since it opened. It is believed to be the site of the last pubic hanging in Massachusetts sometime in the 1890's. Two big riots broke out in the 90's (1993, 1998) and since then the facility has been modified to alleviate some of the crowded conditions that resulted in the riots.

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Copyright: PETER PEREIRA/4SEE
Image Size: 3990x2660 / 2.8MB; jail crime lock up criminal penitentiary correction drugs gangs old
Contained in galleries: USA - Oldest Jail in USA, Ash Street Jail

James S. Cheshire, left, who is awaiting trial on using and selling narcotics waits his trial in his cell as next door, Hector Fernandes who is about to be released to a biblical program after serving time for violating his probation reads some of his lawyers paperwork. The Bristol County Jail & House of Correction located on Ash Street in New Bedford, Massachusetts was started in 1829, and is the oldest running jail in the United States. The Ash street jail, as it is known, has been a controversial facility since it opened. It is believed to be the site of the last pubic hanging in Massachusetts sometime in the 1890's. Two big riots broke out in the 90's (1993, 1998) and since then the facility has been modified to alleviate some of the crowded conditions that resulted in the riots.