by Dale M. Brumfield (Author), Evans D. Hopkins (Introduction by)
Thomas Jefferson developed the idea for the Virginia State Penitentiary and set the standard for the future of the American prison system. The prison endured severe overcrowding, three fires, an earthquake and numerous riots.
Vice President Aaron Burr was incarcerated there in 1807 as he awaited trial for treason. 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.
Author Biography
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.