Auburn in Cayuga County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Auburn Prison
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, August 28, 2015
1. Auburn Prison Marker
Erection commenced 1816
First prisoners 1817
assisted in construction
First electrocution
in the world 1890
Erected 1932 by New York State Education Department.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1816.
Location. 42° 56.111′ N, 76° 34.243′ W. Marker is in Auburn, New York, in Cayuga County. Marker is at the intersection of State Street (New York State Route 38) and Wall Street, on the right when traveling south on State Street. Marker is fixed to the south tower at the entrance to Auburn Correctional Facility, south of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 135 State Street, Auburn NY 13024, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Wasco (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Auburn Prison (a few steps from this marker); Site of the Old Western Exchange Tavern (approx. 0.3 miles away); Site of Bostwick's Tavern (approx. 0.3 miles away); Votes for Women (approx. 0.3 miles away); Cayuga County Bicentennial Memorial Garden at Willard Chapel (approx. 0.3 miles away); Dedicated to the Memory of William H. Seward
this page online
Also see . . . William Kemmler - Wikipedia. The first executed by electric chair. (Submitted on September 1, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, August 28, 2015
2. Auburn Prison Entrance
Marker is fixed to the left tower.
circa 1920
3. Execution Chamber, Auburn, N.Y.
....Current was passed through Kemmler for 17 seconds. The power was turned off and Kemmler was declared dead by Dr. Edward Charles Spitzka....However, witnesses noticed Kemmler was still breathing....
In the second attempt, Kemmler was shocked with 2,000 volts....The New York Times reported instead that "an awful odor began to permeate the death chamber, and then, as though to cap the climax of this fearful sight, it was seen that the hair under and around the electrode on the head and the flesh under and around the electrode at the base of the spine was singeing. The stench was unbearable." Witnesses reported the smell of burning flesh and several nauseated spectators unsuccessfully tried to leave the room....--Wikipedia
Postcard by Wm. Jubb Co., circa 1915
4. Front View of Auburn Prison, Auburn, N.Y.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 481 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 1, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. 3, 4. submitted on September 1, 2015.
