This prison was built in 1926-27. It operated from 1927-1933 and 1952-1967. This was one of 2 medium security, brick making, satellite prisons built by the Ohio Penitentiary. The other prison was located in Junction City, but like the Ohio Penitentiary, it was demolished.

Although this prison was meant to house good-behavior inmates, some of them tended to get out of hand. In 1952, rowdy inmates caused a riot and started a decent size fire. In the 1960's, numerous inmates were able to escape.