New Mexico is known for its southwestern cuisine, rich history, and its spectacular and varied landscapes. But the Land of Enchantment filled with usually friendly people holds a lesser-known but horrific claim as well: as the site of one of the most violent prison riots in America history. Here’s more about what 1980 prison riot at the state’s maximum security prison south of Santa Fe:
The Penitentiary of New Mexico is a men's maxium security prison located in Santa Fe County.
It originally opened in 1885. It has had three deadly riots since opening.
A former unit, now known as "Old Main," was built in 1956 following a riot at the prison in 1953 in which two inmates were killed and many others were wounded.
"Snitches" were the prisoners most targeted. Not all prisoners participated in the riot, however. Some simply tried to find a safe place to wait it out.
A total of 33 prisoners died during the riot and about 200 more were injured or suffered from drug overdoses.
A newer maximum-security prison is located across from Old Main. Most of the old building area is abandoned.
Tours of “Old Main” are periodically offered by the New Mexico Corrections Department, with admission prices going toward revitalizing the abandoned building into a full-time museum. Its focus will center on the department’s focus of “Respecting our past to create a better future.”