(KHLA - Lake Charles, Louisiana) - Did you know that Louisiana has the largest maximum-security prison in the country?

Photo by Larry Farr on Unsplash
Photo by Larry Farr on Unsplash
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This Louisiana prison has a notorious reputation for being violent and have unsafe conditions for both the inmates and staff.

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Louisiana Maximum Security Prison Is The Largest In The USA:

Of course we're talking about Angola State Prison.

HBJ Studios YouTube
HBJ Studios YouTube
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The Louisiana State Penitentiary aka Angola is the largest Max prison in America. It houses over 6,300 inmates with over 1,800 correction officers and members of staff on more than 18,000 acres of land. Angola began operations in 1901.

It was named after a nearby slave plantation that occupied the territory. The plantation was named after the country of Angola where most of its slaves were from.

Photo by Matthew Ansley on Unsplash
Photo by Matthew Ansley on Unsplash
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Nicknames of Angola State Prison in Louisiana:

  • Alcatraz of the South
  • The Farm
  • The Angola Plantation
  • The Gated Community

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I remember going to Angola when I was a kid.  When I saw the signs about not picking up hitchhikers on the road I got scared. My dad told me not to worry that we were safe, but being a kid I was still apprehensive. During the visit I remember even though we were surrounded by inmates, I felt safe, which was weird seeing how I had felt earlier.  I don't know if it was the multiple check points we had to go through to get in or maybe I had faith that the corrections officers would keep us protected.

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Gallery Credit: Mikey O

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