It required over three years – from 1854 until 1857 – to convert the failed flour mill into The Penitentiary. When it was finished, this 246 foot long structure had two floors of prison cells for hardened criminals while the third level contained a dormitory for nearly 500 model prisoners. The building also had a dining hall, a library and a chapel. This wing was added to provide rooms for a kitchen, bakery and storage.
