Text by Tammie

  The Old Joliet Prison on Old Route 66 in Joliet, Illinois, was built as way of escaping from Illinois’ first notorious state penitentiary in Alton, erected in 1833.   The Alton prison was said to have abused inmates. The Old Joliet Prison, built in 1858, offered inmates jobs, education plus physical and spiritual benefits.    The Old Joliet Prison is now an attraction on Route 66 that offers tours. More here .  

    A prison in Joliet, Illinois, that Route 66 passed the gates of from 1926 until 1940, is open for tours.   “Old Joliet Prison Historic Site,” at 1125 Collins St., was closed and abandoned in 2002 after its construction in 1858.   In the early years, the prison was an industrial facility that leased convicts out to work.    Today, self-guided and guided history tours are available seasonally from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.   More information is available here .