Thomaston in Knox County, Maine — The American Northeast (New England)
178 Years of History
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178 Ans d'Histoire
Thomaston, Maine
| — | The Museum in the Streets | — |
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, October 15, 2024
1. 178 Years of History Marker
The Maine State Prison stood in Thomaston from 1824 until it was razed in 2002. The original building was a wood structure for the guards and warden; the cells were exposed to the elements and below ground level. Prisoners were literally lowered into their deep cells at night and the opening was covered with a heavy grate to keep the men in place until they were allowed out to work in the quarry the following day. Wooden barracks with cells eventually replaced this deplorable housing. In 1923, a fire led to the construction of a third building, this one made of brick. By the turn of the twenty-first century the building was quite antiquated. A new facility was built in the neighboring town of Warren. The prisoners were moved there in February 2002 and the prison was demolished in April of that year.
Erected by The
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Law Enforcement • Notable Places.
Location. 44° 4.654′ N, 69° 11.591′ W. Marker is in Thomaston, Maine, in Knox County. It is at the intersection of Main Street (U.S. 1) and Robbins Lane, on the right when traveling east on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Thomaston ME 04861, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Midcoast Maine and on Penobscot Bay. It is also in the American Northeast, in New England, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A Unique Pumper and Old Fire Houses (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Maine State Prison at Thomaston (about 600 feet away); Maine State Prison (about 600 feet away); Former State Prison Site (about 600 feet away); Near the Old Prison / À Coté de l'Ancienne Prison
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, October 15, 2024
2. 178 Years of History Marker
Also see . . . Maine State Prison (Wikipedia). (Submitted on November 2, 2024, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2024, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 134 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 27, 2024, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
