Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women

Located in Union Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women (EMCFW) has served as the state’s primary women’s prison since 1913. Initially known as the New Jersey State Reformatory for Women, it began as a 400-acre farm accommodating only 24 inmates. Renamed in 1987 to honor Edna Mahan, a superintendent who emphasized rehabilitation and human dignity, the prison initially operated with minimal security and innovative programs like “student government.”

The facility was designed to hold up to 709 inmates, but its population has drastically decreased in recent years, with only 378 inmates as of 2021. After decades of abuse scandals, including a 2021 federal investigation uncovering widespread staff misconduct, New Jersey has decided to shut down the facility permanently. Transition efforts are underway, with inmates being relocated to interim facilities until a replacement prison is constructed.

Edna Mahan houses inmates across all security levels, offering various programs, including the unique “Puppies Behind Bars,” which allows inmates to train service animals. However, its legacy has been marred by incidents like the infamous 1979 escape of Assata Shakur, as well as repeated allegations of systemic sexual misconduct that have plagued the facility for decades.

The transition plan stages the prison’s closure, but visitation remains active. Families can visit on Wednesdays and Thursdays during registration hours of 2–6 p.m., each lasting one hour.

Although controversial, Edna Mahan has played a significant role in U.S. corrections history. Its initial rehabilitative philosophy and 110-year tenure as New Jersey’s sole women’s prison underline its complex and evolving legacy.