Construction of the 250,000 square foot Mansfield Reformatory began in 1886. Though it held the world's largest free-standing steel cell block, Mansfield more closely resembles a mansion than a prison, which was very intentional; the goal was to create hope and progress in the young prisoners and encourage their "rebirth." The prison opened it's doors to the first 150 youth offenders in 1896, and by the time it closed in 1990, it had housed over 150,000 men.

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Now defunct, Mansfield operates as a historical tourist attraction and occasionally a movie set: 'Shawshank Redemption,' 'Air Force One' and 'Tango & Cash' were all shot on site, as well as countless music videos and TV spots.

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If you visit Ohio, it would be a shame to miss out on the chance to see this creepy piece of history in person.

 

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