The amount of land this prison facility once occupied is massive, spread across hundreds of acres just off I-95 in northern Virginia and a mile or two from the Amtrak Auto Train. I believe up until the mid-90's it was one of just a handful of operating dairy farms managed by a prison system. Cows once roamed the hills surrounding the main complex and I often drove the winding roads which crisscrossed the property spanning over 1100 acres of rolling farmland.
About the area: "The Lorton Reformatory was a prison built for the District of Columbia, in what is now known as Laurel Hill, Virginia. This 1,155-acre tract north of the Occoquan River was purchased in 1910 and was unique in several ways. Classically inspired, symmetrical dormitory complexes were constructed instead of cellblocks. The brick buildings were built by the prisoners themselves, using brick manufactured at the on-site kiln complex located on the banks of the Occoquan. Source:
Article from January 2016: "Final phase of Lorton prison redevelopment begins"
And so, like so many things from my childhood and teenage years, this place too, has changed and evolved. I struggle greatly with letting go; I fight change and progress I guess, unwilling to give up the past and the memories. The only connections I have now to a previous life are fading and it was with a sense of sadness that I took these photos, however, the beauty of the buildings remains. The architectural details are peaceful and comforting, and I think it's a wonderful thing that the complex can now serve to inspire a new generation. I guess, in a way, that change may be good if directed onwards and upwards; perhaps I need to look more careful to find such qualities in the processes of my own life. Thanks for reading.
community advocate | marketing consultant | dedicated to small business | fan of
classic cars & hot rods | beach lover | believer that "together we accomplish more"
