Thomas Jefferson developed the idea for the Virginia State Penitentiary and set the standard for the future of the American prison system. Designed by U.S. Capitol and White House architect Benjamin Latrobe, the "Pen" opened its doors in 1800. Vice President Aaron Burr was incarcerated there in 1807 as he awaited trial for treason. The prison endured severe overcrowding, three fires, an earthquake and numerous riots. More than 240 prisoners were executed there by electric chair. At one time, the ACLU called it the "most shameful prison in America." The institution was plagued by racial injustice, eugenics experiments and the presence of children imprisoned among adults. Join author Dale Brumfield as he charts the 190-year history of the iconic prison.
Dale M. Brumfield is an adjunct professor of English, a digital archaeologist and the author of eight books. His work appears regularly in numerous publications, including the Staunton News Leader, the Rappahannock Review, USA Today, North of the James, Richmond Magazine and Style Weekly. His two books, Richmond Independent Press: A History of the Underground Zine Scene and Independent Press in Virginia and D.C.: An Underground History, were both nominated for Library of Virginia Literary Awards in nonfiction. Dale Lives in Doswell, Virginia.