Exploring an Abandoned 1970's Prison - Homeless living in Cells..

The Prison shut its doors in 1970, but people are still sleeping in its rusty cells, this city prison was built in 1830, after the original courthouse and jail burnt down, this building was erected to house the cities most dangerous criminals. In 1970 the prison was considered small for the city's growing crime population, and the city closed its doors for the last time. Over the 50 years of abandonment has coated the comer cells with a thick layer of paint chips and rust. New inhabitants take shelter in its rock built walls and protect themselves from the elements. If you enjoy the video leave a thumbs up and subscribe for more exploring videos, have a good day!!
Instagram @Dark.Exploration

[@DarkExploration]

I had do re edit this video because of copyright. The very first clip was used in the movie 'Malcom X' filmed by Spike Lee in 1993. It gives us the best look at what this prison looked like when it was open. I tried using other clips from the movie but KZbin is strict with movie use. Anyway, Hoping you guys enjoy this video, it was a fun little explore! Let me know your thoughts as you watch 😄

[@CurlyVeil]

Waiting for this 🙌🏼💙

[@LuvMyGT500]

Have you ever been robbed during your explorations? Also, don’t you get uneasy with the unknowns of what your walking into? You always seem so calm.

[@DarkExploration]

@@LuvMyGT500 no I havent been robbed before. But it's happened to people doing this hobby before. Gotta keep a level head at all moments 💯

[@KapricornKary]

Thanks for the info. Was gonna ask how you did the intro to remake what it used to look like. Excellent video!

[@webeeankylosingspindylitis7838]

Hi Devin! Thank u for another great video & talking about our country's biggest issue. I grew up in Barre,VT. My mom & sister & other family still does. My mom told me that because of 2020 the town/city( Barre has both) has decided to fill up all the motels & hotels with the homeless. Homelessness breaks my heart & because of 2020 it has been rising . I have to wonder how do they get a stimulus check when they need it so badly 🤔 just my thoughts 🙂😊

[@daydreamer6814]

Seeing all those cells where someone who has nowhere to live or sleep stays makes you realize how much you take for granted.

[@ginakhorsandpour4699]

I agree 👍💯💯💯👍

[@wingit7602]

If I were homless I would choose a forest. This is too creepy. especilly at night.

[@ctg6734]

For sure.

[@stephaniebelle1000]

I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND WHAT AND WHY THE PEOPLE ARE STILL IN NEED!!!

[@billbowers268]

That God at least they have this for shelter.

[@lisameehan6937]

I appreciate your knowledge and attention to detail. Also, you seem to have empathy and are not judgemental, unlike most of the commenters I've seen. I've been homeless 2x, only reason is because I got sick. Not everyone in jail is guilty (I've never been arrested), not all homeless are lazy or drug addicts. So many people need to pull their heads out of their own ass and not judge and speak on things they know nothing of.

[@dorthymartin2425]

Amen

[@neta565]

Hey! Hope you're well!😊 Love from the UK!

[@leonciohernandez]

i agree with you 400% .

[@BhappyD]

It’s so important to have empathy. Homeless people are just that, people. Human beings with the same needs, emotions, and desires as everyone else, coming from all walks of life and backgrounds. While there are many in the homeless population with substance abuse problems and addiction disorders, there are also many who are not, and have never been, addicted to or using any substance. I can’t even pretend to know what it’s like to be homeless, and I am incredibly thankful for that, but I absolutely have empathy for those who are dealing with homelessness, and know that the problem of homelessness has a multitude of intricacies and is not a cut and dry issue. You absolutely cannot paint all homeless people with the same brush, and those who judge are clearly ignorant to the fact that it can happen to anyone, even them. I pray that you are doing better now. I deal with a debating progressive chronic illness myself, and that alone is incredibly difficult. I can’t imagine dealing with homelessness on top of it. God bless 💕🌻

[@lisameehan6937]

@@BhappyD Thank you for your eloquent and compassionate comment. I hope you're doing well and not feeling too bad, with your chronic illness. It is hard by itself. I'm actually possibly facing being homeless for the 3rd time in 10 years......my lease isn't being renewed and there just aren't any apartments....the pandemic is wreaking havoc on everything. I have a GoFundMe but it's not going to be enough. I wish everyone saw things as you do.

[@MobileInstinct]

Great video man This place has been on my list

[@DarkExploration]

Thank you bro! Let me know if you come up this way

[@cjhmarine0621]

Can i ask how someone finds abandoned properties to explore.. I am originally from Chicago but living in the Philippines at the moment and this sort of thing especially since i am prior military and like to explore and sightsee would be fun to do. Let me know. Thanks

[@sunshinesunshine94]

Hey !!!! Subscriber here lol Love your videos

[@edwardjackson1418]

Looks like a good place for the homeless, beats living on the streets!

[@carolparrott1994]

You are always so respectful of the locations and their history. I shouldn’t be surprised you would also be respectful, nonjudgmental and kind about those live there. Always nice to see a new video from you.

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

🙂👍

[@septemberquest6393]

Wow ,imagine the stories those walls could tell..quite eerie in a way...great vid DE !!!

[@UrbexAndChill]

Crazy how much it’s changed since the movie was filmed.

[@robertvalentin5846]

what the name of the movie

[@LeoHernandeznyc]

@@robertvalentin5846 I know Malcom X was filmed there don't know of anything after

[@myfavoritemartian1]

When exploring ANY old structure, step on the far right and far left sides of the treads. NEVER step in the middle. Be safe and explore!

[@arjanpetersen]

You never explored any old structure.... stop lecturing.

[@OldSchool82]

its still good advice those are the best spots to use

[@quanbrooklynkid7776]

@@arjanpetersen haha

[@sunshinesunshine94]

Haha...fun fact..... Living in an older house when I was young we had a spiral wooden staircase, it would Creek when we sneak down in the middle of the night to raid the refrigerator, My older brother taught me to walk on the outside of the steps closest to the wall.... It was much stronger and much quieter while sneaking down to get cupcakes in the middle of the night 😁..... Great memories 😭

[@Mizz.Person]

@@arjanpetersen No its true. The middle is the most worn and prone to breaking, if it gives out. The sides are safer. ;)

[@meinkamph5327]

I have spent time in cells the size you have shown. Having ur life brought down just to the basics, food and space. Perspective changes, you become someone else, someone different. It's almost humbling, but it is not ! ! !

[@thedude8046]

grounded for months in your bedroom by your parents

[@meinkamph5327]

@@thedude8046 Hampden County House of Correction It is kinda like a day camp.

[@Jvmzz]

I remember visiting this spot around this time last year and I remember feeling a constant sense of hopelessness. It’s all very sad and dreadful...

[@richardmakowski1145]

I did time in there

[@AmandaHugandKiss411]

I very much appreciate the way you are respectful of the homeless people who are living their as well as the prisoners who lived there as well as the building itself. It is refreshing to hear someone speak with compassion and empathy.

[@MJARTBYDAY]

Wow your friend climbed all the way up to the top of the cells on those bars. he's not afraid to do that he's awesome and so are you, Devin. You have a heart of gold huni thinking of those homeless people. I loved this explore but feel sad for the homeless but like you said, they have a roof over their heads.

[@87auts]

So glad I found this channel. The calm, measured delivery is a breath of fresh air compared to the usual LOUD KZbin creators.

[@marilynhudson9879]

You're right most of the other explorer channels are so unsettling they cause me terrible Anxiety.😠

[@fhwolthuis]

Excellent video, Devin! You are very knowledgeable and also respectful to the building and its history and current residents. And you have a good eye for esthetics 👍😊

[@GrumpyWolfTech]

Bad memories of my late teens/early 20s, I wasn't in the same prison, but it looked pretty similar.

[@GLING17]

Amazing! Almost two hundred years old and still standing!

[@memorialled_zeppelin-warew1346]

Kinda... But yeah

[@nicolasjimenezq369]

11:32 Respecting people (homeless) and Respecting the Building. Totally Agree with you.

[@cadoo5591]

Even in prisons they added such detail to the ceilings back then. This is one of the most amazing videos I've ever seen - great work!

[@hughkeith9185]

Devin, I will echo the sentiments of many who have commented here. Above and beyond your giftedness and talent for tactfully documenting and presenting these locations, those abilities are richly complimented by your mature, respectful and considerate manner in doing so. The mindfulness and care with which you carry out your explorations truly make your contributions to the urbex community something to be proud of. Kudos to you and your fellow documentarians for respecting history, both past and present perspectives. Thank you for bring us along and be safe.

[@janicecopeland9083]

Amazing video, gave me a glimpse into a world I would otherwise never have seen. Thanks for having me along.

[@moonwalker091000]

What a neat place and the cell block locked up was so cool!! You are definitely the best urban explorer. I could watch you all day. I used to watch someone else (won't say who) but the vulgar language just got on my nerves. Your always such a class act. Stay safe guys!!

[@Plaid84]

Lol best explorer

[@helbitkelbit1790]

I've seen alot , never , ever heard "vulgar" language .

[@wanderer4951]

Such a great video; a great Explore. I absolutely love how in tune you are with what is happening. America is not all it's cracked up to be that's for sure. I always say I want the 80's back because that was the best time. People were nicer and they were helpful without wanting anything in return. In our big city in the South, we have tons of homeless; it breaks my heart to see people in this situation, especially when the Government waste so much money on trivial things. I absolutely love all your vids ❤ and your voice ❤. Be safe always ♥💕

[@KapricornKary]

Sad that inmates live better than the homeless in this country. I'm surprised this place hasn't been torn down at some point in the past 50 yrs. The decay is pretty amazing. Great video!

[@BooBooKittyFuzzyBritches]

Structures built with asbestos products are incredibly expensive to tear down. Everything has to be done in a tent by professionals, as the dust can travel long distances. It's scary to consider how the health of today's various generations has been negatively affected by chemicals that were once deemed safe. I was born in 1973 and have multiple autoimmune diseases. My Dad sprayed Agent Orange during the Vietnam war. As kids, we used to run through the fog created by the trucks spraying the mosquito spray. I could go on, but suffice to say, these chemicals can have devastating consequences for generations to come. Its very sad...

[@TypeOneg]

They live better? I know a few inmates who have stated that they would gladly be homeless and free than coddled and imprisoned on the same 1/2 square mile of ground for 20+ years. Puleeeese.

[@douglasphillips24]

Know a few who served a few years in State prison & said they had cable TV, steak dinners & sports , crafts, job training you name it so some live better than working class for sure.

[@douglasphillips24]

@@BooBooKittyFuzzyBritches Asbestos is everywhere even in new brake shoes that state " non- asbestos" but says Canadian Mineral Fiber which comes from Asbestos Canada. They just changed the name. Biggest danger is creating Dust that gets into air & asbestos fibers are indestructible so scar lung tissue if breathed over time.

[@anexpertateverything4816]

By definition anyone living in any building anywhere lives better than a homeless person. I wouldn’t say it’s sad. If the homeless person had somewhere to live they wouldn’t be homeless.

[@daveganger0416]

Another Great video,let’s hope 2021 is a good years for us all. Your mate Dave Gold Coast Australia Keep up the bangers Great location and camera work and commentary

[@nataliesmith303]

Great find Devin! It’s a shame even though the cells are small, that it couldn’t have been more looked after for somewhere safe for the homeless to go 😀

[@3mate1]

I'll bet a lot of that Graffiti is from the 80's

[@thalverson3850]

I worked in a prison built in 1851 and is still in operation today!

[@memorialled_zeppelin-warew1346]

I work in a prison built in 1840. It is still fully operational. The gallows tower is still intact just missing the rope its used for storage now. And the drop lever is locked. We dont execute anymore. So we dont have death row . there was one once. Its now protective custody. I work as a guard

[@wes5150.]

re: "Homeless Living in Cells" It could be that they were living in those cells before the prison closed ! 'Extended Stay' at the 'Grey Bar Hotel' !

[@susannehand7991]

Oh God every time you go up the stairs, I have to look away, I keep thinking that they are going to collapse from under you. Be careful I wouldn't like to see you get hurt. 🤗 Also a big Hello from Dublin Ireland. 🇮🇪🍀😎

[@UserDom777]

Some pieces of this reminds me of 7 block in Jackson state prison in Michigan like a big bird cage awesome video. 🤟

[@dirtyoutlaw9981]

yes it dose be there done that

[@lindaschilling6850]

Wouldn't it be fantastic if there were enough people to clean it up and with enough donations, rehab the place for the ones who've got no where else to go. I'm quite sure that there must be several people willing to help. Especially if they've been pushed into homelessness by the current situation with Covid.

[@sherryyyy100]

That would be a great idea! But some idiot would mess it up by getting a lock and locking someone in

[@jillsmcfarland2001]

Tartaria the last reset

[@jillsmcfarland2001]

Lead

[@eily_b]

They could clean it up themselves but they chose to litter it even more...

[@arjanpetersen]

Enough people there... but usa doesn’t care about it

[@CurlyVeil]

Beyond words 🙏🏼 great vid

[@nandayot]

It's just sad that people have no other place to go and end up in this building..

[@scottmandel9130]

It is amazing the resources that are available to create something positive out of negative, the gov't looks away to thinking about the Habitat for Humanity. PAY IT FORWARD!!!!.

[@therichest5801]

My dad was in here im then he died from his friend they both died in a fight together but great vid man keep it up

[@ginakhorsandpour4699]

Wow that's crazy 😧😧

[@neta565]

I'm sorry to hear that.😯

[@helbitkelbit1790]

??????

[@leonardkirke]

If the cops get you here, where do they take you? You're already in jail! On a serious note, though, I'm glad this video highlights the situation so many people face when dealing with homelessness. So often you see spikes on benches and places someone might sleep, it's an act of cruelty. We need to err on the side of compassion when we design public spaces.

[@urmamasmamasmama]

💜

[@steveisastar6235]

Any time a prison closes it's a good thing.

[@mdlatham7]

Amen!

[@jonb2793]

So cool! I always wondered how it looked inside. 🔥🔥

[@josephvazquez995]

where is this? i might just go

[@jonb2793]

@@josephvazquez995 do your research he gave loads of info about it

[@josephvazquez995]

@@jonb2793 Yeah Ive found the address

[@crsz1]

What an awesome video. Thanks for all you do. I know what you do is dangerous. Thanks for taking the risk to preserve history

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

🙂👍

[@emmadendle]

It’s so sad that so many people have to resort to living in this broken building just to have somewhere safer then the streets to live. It’s a sad world we live in when this is happening and worse when we could be helping those who need it the most

[@funky_bottoms8675]

Wow, awesome video. If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, Marin Co. Take the San Quentin tour you’ll enjoy it. Build before California became a state its still active. The murals in the Chow Hall are amazing. Some of the paintings are optical illusions and where ever you’re positioned in the Chow hall, the painting will be facing you. Many things to see there as well as Old Folsom prison. Great video 👍👏👏👏👏👏

[@MamaToFive]

I was in prison...the cells were larger than those though, but still really uncomfy for 2 people to live in. :( I was there for an entire year and I have PTSD from the abuse and shit I had seen. :(

[@diannecampbell18]

Its a place 4 them fix it up! WE have sooooooooo many alone cold .least outta weather

[@gregmckinney4562]

Excellent video, thank you.

[@doloresmitchell8083]

Be safe where you are thanks for the video

[@genniejefferson6588]

I love looking at old stuff also. Great filming.

[@CurlyVeil]

FINALLY 🙏🏼🙌🏼

[@igi-risu]

I love these videos so much but please wear better PPE when exploring these places and refrain from touching a lot of the walls, appliances, etc.

[@DarkExploration]

This place has constant airflow. No mask is really needed here. But when the air is poor, I always have a respirator in my bag.

[@igi-risu]

@@DarkExploration Oh, okay. Understood. Thank you for clarifying! Just hoping you guys stay safe in your exploration endeavors 😁💜

[@crystalscan2002]

thAT Prison looked like it been abandoned since the 1970s

[@BilisNegra]

Well, and it was indeed, it's clearly stated.

[@manonmartin4231]

Amazing ! That's awesome thanks for sharing !

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

🙂👍

[@ralphgiampietro85]

This was a great vid always wanted to do an exploration of old abandoned structures. What also was interesting through out the vid or I should say most of the vid you heard the yelp of police sirens constantly

[@dorthymartin2425]

Welcome to newark

[@annwilkiemeyer7655]

Thanks for uploading this great video it really made My Day Dark Exploration

[@jimmylehman496]

I was just mentioning to my wife about the homeless problem in Philadelphia.. and how many abandon building we have in the city down there.. the city should open these doors in the winter in away.. set up safe living in a small camping way

[@BEV0323]

@Jimmy Lehman... They wouldn't allow that because the prison has deteriorated so badly. They would say it's unsafe...which it really is unsafe. If the authorities knew these folks were living there, they'd probably run them out of there.

[@jimmylehman496]

@@BEV0323 I'm talking just half the abandon building that are down K@A not even that jail.. I understand how unsafe that particular place is but so many other buildings could be open instead of tent cities.. And the city can have a guard even at each door armed cop

[@memorialled_zeppelin-warew1346]

Suprised Newark hasnt had this pulled down... Whats left of it. I guess they know its being used by the homesless so thats why it hasnt been pulled. Such a shame its been let to go like this. But its amazing to see. I work in prison as a guard. It was built in 1840.it still has a hanging tower but its now used for storage. Your videos are awesome. Keep up your good work. Chriss 🇬🇧

[@ShoutItFromTheHousetops]

Im always so surprised at how much scrap metal is just rusting away when it could be turned into cash. Another waste of natural resources

[@keyup2626]

You said they lost their rights, they did something to put themselves it that position in most cases. Good video not many places like this anymore.

[@jeremydickinson9650]

Very insightful and respectful. Good video brother I will be a subscriber 👍

[@DarkExploration]

Thanks Jeremy! ❤

[@simonyip5978]

Can you imagine the bad things that have taken place there (between the 1830's to 1970)..?

[@ABMP4D3]

Great video, there is a video on you tube of the fire there back in the late 90's

[@ls6-ss413]

Imagine being homeless and living in an abandoned jail....damn. great video as always bro👊🏼

[@sashanj848]

Great video omg! I’m in nj and I didn’t know of this place lol. I’m near there too

[@BEV0323]

Y'all sure are brave going up and down those old, rotten, dilapidated stairs!

[@NightHiker72]

Thank You For The Video!

[@stephenw4285]

Your exploration are cool to watch. Your comments about the homeless problem gives me, an old fart, hope. I hope you are the norm for your generation and not the exception.

[@bakercarl8518]

"You no longer have a name, you have a number!!! Remember it!!!

[@ericlakota6512]

You should of looked closer in cells for old scratchings of who was hear and dates id love to hear ghost investigation hear

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

🙂👍

[@313grower]

Dude, you have balls of steel. Thanks for sharing this vid!

[@marmaladegirI]

Binge watching ur vids didn’t expect to come across a place in my city great vid

[@lindamesa4941]

I have seen hundreds of these abandoned prisons but not like this! Wow man you really made a hit with this one great job!!

[@fentonb9520]

Seems like a perfect solution to the homeless situation

[@piercehawke8021]

In the former East Berlin; you may have heard about it, 'Tacheles' rather reminds me of this prison, albeit in significantly better shape. Quite a few of the squatters installed floor to ceiling windows at where parts of the structure were still rubble from WW II. This place had electricity and evidently indoor plumbing, that actually worked.

[@victoriawilliams8343]

Love your respect for these beautiful old buildings. Stay safe.

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

🙂👍

[@bmint]

I’m surprised metal scrappers haven’t torn that apart

[@scottbowling58]

I guess you'd call that the "rustic" look.

[@newburghnygirl6698]

Your videos are awesome... your doing great... be careful out there

[@EdenValleyAdventuresUK]

Great explore thanks for showing this with us, your film work is lovely. 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

🙂👍

[@robertcopeland430]

Cops cars always blaring. Must be nice area to live in.

[@bluecollar825]

Your deadpan commentary is lowkey hilarious. Send it, like the kids would say. Mother nature always takes back what is hers. Lol nature vs nurture. That root was cool as hell tho lol

[@jackyhawkins1895]

Beautifully filmed as always. Thank you 🤗

[@Clara-ph7my]

Amazing how old buildings are just left to rot away. Would like to know more history on this place when it was operational. Those small cells, can you imagine sharing the double? No dignity when you have to use the toilet in there. I bet they slept on them beds with their heads by the cell door. Thank you for the tour

[@skeeterfan3626]

Maybe, but with your head by the door you could get shanked.

[@tammyasbury6517]

It is sad ,how many people are homeless,most people are living only a paycheck away from it,some work full time and can't afford rent , everything has gone sky high ,but yet the government has kept minimum wage at 7 dollars forever ,so while the rich get richer the poor working class gets poorer ,they give all these big companies tax break after tax break so they can pay people minimum wage and those people pay the taxes they are giving for rich ,no wonder nobody wants to work,companies are only going up on wages because people refuse to work a full time job to not even make enough to pay bills ,most rent now 800 to 1200 and more ,how can someone have a place making only 7 an hour,40 hours that's only 280 a week before taxes social security is taken out ,no wonder people are homeless

[@alexandraradio]

A magnificent explore. I just love these old places. So full of history.

[@spiderreed350]

Former light heavyweight champion Dwight Braxton spent time there.He later changed his name after becoming a Muslim to Dwight Muhammad Qaui.

[@mjmj2860]

Wow thanks for showing us this!!!😍👍

[@marcosvultoselendas3580]

GOOD FRIEND VÍDEO SHOW BROO AQUI FORTALECENDO T.M.J 🤜🤛👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻✌🤙

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

🙂👍

[@bradbrown5659]

Great video . depressing place to be back in 1837 I'm sure . I hope your prepared if you run into someone who's not so nice while wandering through those buildings . it would only be the smart thing to do . bad things sometimes happen to nice people . I knew a guy from that area . he carried a .45 . just saying . you could also run into some very interesting people also . be careful .

[@karimarine7591]

I love your respect and appreciation for the places you explore. Keep up the amazing work!

[@mikeellis7286]

Wonder how many souls you pasted by on your walk, knowing everyone didn't go home. 🤔 that's OK I'll just sleep in the woods.

[@leonciohernandez]

This a very sad place but interesting you make a great video.

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

🙂👍

[@onlyme6374]

I wonder what strange experience's that occurred while filming this prison.there must be so much energy and emotions that were held there.i wouldn't have done this!!too scary!!

[@misterwolf9227]

IHard to believe that people would sleep there for shelter. Thanks to the city housing and rent control.

[@Bigredtower]

Yesss great explore! Good job, giving the locals their space \m/ I can't tell if all those stairs were broken by vandals/scrappers, or decay? Sorry KZbin made you change your art after the fact. They are as out of touch with humanity as this prison is decayed.

[@Misskristinfromconnecticut]

Def a great Video 📹... It makes you wonder what went on when it was in working order .. Its very sad to know this day in age we have this many homeless people living on the streets 😔😔😔😢😢 it was for sure a great Video keep up the amazing work 😊😊😊😊

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

🙂👍

[@hiramdiaz5817]

Walla Walla in the State of Washington oldest in the State goes back to the Cowboys .back then when you were Release Used to give you a Rifle and A Horse ?

[@liamdavies5403]

That place with big door outside would have been prison reception whers prisoners would been processed! We should count our blessings because we all could end up in place like that?

[@beverlygamble4789]

Neat video.would of been cool.to see a photo or to of what it looked like in its hey day..

[@offthecufff]

great work as always wow! thanks for the inspiration to get out there and explore!

[@beachcaving]

Amazing to witness a decayed place where inmates wanted to escape that became a haven-of-shelter for desperate victims of homelessness. Thank you for the excellent video. It's a very small burg here but we too have homeless...😭

[@Churi_Venatriss]

I'm only a few minutes in, but even so far it reminds me a lot of the Ohio State Reformatory, aka Shawshank.