New York State has always been a population center in the United States, and unfortunately, high populations can sometimes bring crime. Some of these very infamous New York prisons have been in operation for well over a hundred years. As a result, many of the most famous criminals from all over the US have lived in New York’s prisons. Read on to learn more about some of the worst prisons in New York State, as well as their inmates.

1. Fishkill Correctional Facility; Beacon, NY

Fishkill Correctional Facility, 18 Strack Dr, Beacon, NY 12508, USA
Google Street View
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.

2. Clinton Correctional Facility; Dannemora, NY

Clinton Correctional Facility, 1156 Cook St, Dannemora, NY 12929, USA
Google Street View
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.

3. Ossining Correctional Facility; Ossining, NY

Correctional Facility Road, Correctional Facility Rd, Ossining, NY 10562, USA
Brett Weinstein (Nrbelex) at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 2.5 , via Wikimedia Commons
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.

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4. Attica Correctional Facility; Attica, NY

Attica Correctional Facility, 639 Exchange St Rd, Attica, NY 14011, USA
Jayu from Harrisburg, PA, U.S.A., CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
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.

5. Riker's Island; Bronx, NY

Rikers Island, New York, NY, USA
D G/Google Local
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.

6. Auburn Correctional Facility; Auburn, NY

Auburn Correctional Facility, 135 State St, Auburn, NY 13024, USA
Google Street View
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.

7. Green Haven Correctional Facility; Stormville, NY

Green Haven Correctional Facility, 594 NY-216, Stormville, NY 12582, USA
Google Street View
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.

It’s always interesting to learn about prisons and the famous criminals who were punished behind their walls. Is there a famous New York prison that you know of that we missed? Tell us in the comments!

Looking for some things to do in New York? Check out the events at Ticketmaster.

Wondering where else you shouldn’t go in New York? Well, not that you shouldn’t go, but be careful if you go to any of these places these dangerous and deadly places in New York.

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More to Explore

Worst Prisons in New York

Rachel Raimondi | November 27, 2023

Are there any haunted places in New York?

The prisons of New York are certainly fascinating, but there are surely more creepy places in the Empire State. Check out some of the most haunted places in New York:

Belhurst Castle: Built in the late 1800s, this castle in Geneva has been known for a lot of activity, such as accidental deaths, illegal gambling, and insanity. Today, you can stay at this resort and try to spot resident ghosts like Dick O’Brien and Isabella Robinson.

Allegiance Bed and Breakfast: This Greek Revival was built in 1838. It was formerly home to an attorney. While you can stay over at this phenomenal bed and breakfast, keep in mind that you might run into the ghosts of Raymond and Karen.

What are the oldest places in New York?

Some of these famous New York prisons are pretty old. Check out some of the other oldest places in New York:

Niagara Falls State Park: Opened in 1885, this is the oldest state park in the state as well as the oldest in the US! Of course, the falls are the main attraction here, but you can also go hiking or take one of their tours!

Brotherhood Winery: Located in Washingtonville, this winery is actually on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been in operation since 1839. Today, you can take a tour and do a tasting here.

Can I go ghost-hunting in New York?

Embrace the haunts of New York even further! See if you can book a time to go ghost-hunting in New York:

Iron Island Museum: Located in Buffalo, this museum was formerly a church and then a funeral home. So, it’s no wonder that there are so many spirits hovering close to it. Today, you can do ghost tours here.

Rolling Hills Asylum: You’ll find this building over in East Bethany. During its time, there were more than 1,500 deaths here. Book a ghost tour to see if you can contact any of the building’s old inhabitants for yourself!

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