Oklahoma State penitentiary, home to Oklahoma's death row, opened in 1908. Sometimes known as McAlester prison or Mack, it is a maximum security facility that was constructed with the help of inmates.

This prison was the scene of the riot in 1973 that has gone down in history as having caused the most damage of any prison riot in the country. Damages were between $20 million and $40 million and the riot killed 3 people. Overcrowding had been a serious issue prior to the riot as OSP was built to house 1,100 and had a population of 2,200 in 1973. In the aftermath of the riot, the Red Cross was called in to feed inmates and the state announced that the prison would stay on with only 400 to 500 residents.

In 1985, inmates rioted again, this time causing $375,000 in damages.

McAlester has a history of violence. Prior to the 1973 riot, there were 19 deaths, 40 stabbings, and 44 serious beatings in only 3 years. More recently, it was the site of a murder. 23 year old Paul Duran was killed when he was placed in a cell with a man he testified against. There had been hope, after a plea agreement had been reached, that Duran would be out while he was still young.

Oklahoma's death row is located in the H-Unit of OSP. In 1994, Amnesty International inspected the unit and found conditions to be inhumane and in violation of international standards. Famous residents include Ron Williamson who was later found to be innocent and was the center of The Innocent Man by John Grisham.

A mental health unit was opened in 1992 to address inmates with special care needs.

Since 1940, OSP has been home to the Oklahoma State Penitentiary Rodeo.

Oklahoma Department of Corrections

McAlester Prison Riot 1973 - Big Mac

Oklahoma State Penitentiary - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Oklahoma State Penitentiary inmate’s death dashes hopes for lawyer, kin | NewsOK.com

Oklahoma's Death Row

The Oklahoma State Penitentiary Rodeo

Oklahoma State Penitentiary -- Sightseeing with Google Satellite Maps

frontline: burden of innocence: profiles: ron williamson | PBS

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