Red Hat Cell Block facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Red Hat Cell Block, Louisiana State Penitentiary
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Red Hat Cell Block
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 Location in Louisiana
Location in the United States
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| Location | Louisiana State Penitentiary, Angola, Louisiana |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1935 |
| NRHP reference No. | 03000041 |
| Added to NRHP | February 20, 2003 |
The Red Hat Cell Block was a special building at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as Angola prison. It was a place where prisoners who broke serious rules were kept.
This building got its nickname, "Red Hat," because the prisoners who stayed there wore straw hats painted red when they worked outside. It was built in 1935 after some prisoners tried to escape. The Red Hat Cell Block was designed to be a very secure place.
Over time, changes were made at Angola prison. In 1972, the Red Hat Cell Block was officially closed. For a while, it was even used as a place to keep dogs! Later, another part of the prison, called Camp J, took over its role as the most secure area. In 2003, the Red Hat Cell Block was recognized as an important historical site and added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Inside the Red Hat Cell Block
The Red Hat Cell Block had 30 small cells. Each cell was about 3 feet wide and 6 feet long. A strong steel door was the only way in or out.
Near the roof of each cell, there was a small window, about 1 square foot, for air. Guards could open or close a steel flap over this window. Inside, each cell had a metal bed frame, but there was no mattress.
Close to the Red Hat building, there were four guard towers. Guards in these towers watched over the area very carefully.
Life for Prisoners in Red Hat
Life inside the Red Hat Cell Block was very difficult. People who were held there described it as a dark and dirty place. They said there were many rats.
Meals for prisoners in Red Hat were not served on plates. Instead, leftover food from the main prison cafeteria was put into wheelbarrows. This food was then given to the prisoners, often just splashed onto the floor of their cells. Some prisoners were not allowed to wear clothes while they were in their cells.
