"The Walls" Texas Prison Huntsville Unit

The "Walls Unit" is the central prison unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Opened in 1849, it is the oldest prision in Texas.

The unit's nickname comes from the surrounding massive red brick wall. Originally the walls were sandstone but were encased in the red bricks in 1940, giving it the current ominous appearance.

The Texas prison system has always been known for its self-sufficiency, and the red bricks used for the wall as well as other prison buildings were made by prisoners.

The Walls Unit is best known as the location of the "death house" where condemned prisoners are executed by lethal injection. Until 1923 executions were by hanging, and from 1923 to 1964 by electrocution in an electric chair known whimsically as "Old Sparky." Old Sparky is now on view at the Texas Prison Museum. Anti-death-penalty protests are routinely held in front of the Walls Unit on days that executions are held.

The Walls Units is also the facility from which prisoners in this region are released when their term is completed or they are paroled. Daily released prisoners wearing donated clothes emerge from the Walls' front doors with a bus ticket home and a small amout of cash in their pockets. They head for the Greyhound bus station two blocks away.

During the day you may hear a steam whistle emanating from the Walls. The whistle means that a prisoner count has been completed and that all prisoners are accounted for.

While visiting the Walls, you may see newly released prisoners exiting the Walls at the front entrance. Those who are not picked up by family or friends walk about a block to the bus station.

Famous Prisoners

• John Wesley Hardin, western outlaw
• Santanta, Kiowa Indian chief
• Clyde Barrow
• David Crosby, musician
• Jack Purvis, jazz musician
• Duane "Dog" Chapman, star of TV's "Dog, the Bounty Hunter"

Getting There

The Walls Unit is located at 815 12th Street.

Since it is an active prison, there is no access to the interior of the Walls Unit. You should not approach the brick wall of the Walls Unit! If you do, you will probably be challenged by the armed prison guards in the guard towers.

You can also tap "Directions" above and use your smart phone's mapping app to find the location and obtain directions.

Hours

Due to security issues, you should visit only during daylight hours.