Ogdensburg Correctional Facility

The Ogdensburg Correctional Facility, located in Ogdensburg, New York, was a medium-security state prison for male inmates. Nestled in the northern part of St. Lawrence County near the St. Lawrence River, the facility bore witness to a rich history before its closure in 2022.

The site initially hosted the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center, known earlier as the Ogdensburg State Asylum for the Insane. In 1982, this psychiatric center was adapted for prison use, marking the beginning of its journey as a correctional facility.

Ogdensburg Correctional Facility was designed to accommodate 557 inmates and, over the years, played a pivotal role in the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision system. It was notable for housing a center dedicated to the civil commitment of sex offenders, ensuring community safety by keeping these individuals in a controlled environment. 

Additionally, the facility served a unique function as a Federal Immigration Detention Facility, handling cases for the Immigration Court in Ulster County, New York.

Throughout its operational years, Ogdensburg provided structured rehabilitation and correction opportunities, adhering to the standards of a medium-security institution. However, in line with shifting correctional policies and population management strategies, the decision was made to close the facility in 2022. This closure reflected broader trends across the state to optimize the correctional system.

Following its closure, the site underwent significant changes. Ten buildings were demolished in 2023, erasing much of its structural legacy. The Ogdensburg Correctional Facility remains a significant chapter in the history of New York’s correctional landscape, illustrating the evolving nature of prison management and its impact on community safety and rehabilitation efforts.