John L. Webb Correctional Facility

The John L. Webb Correctional Facility, located in Prices Corner, Delaware, holds a significant place in the state’s history. Originally opened in 1929 as the New Castle County Workhouse Women’s Ward, it was designed to address overcrowding in nearby facilities and was considered a model of early 20th-century prison reform.

The facility emphasized improved lighting, sanitation, and outdoor spaces for inmates. Over the years, it transitioned from housing women to male inmates and was renamed in 1994 to honor John L. Webb, Delaware’s first Black corrections officer and warden.

The facility played a pivotal role in Delaware’s correctional system, offering work-release programs and vocational training to inmates. However, by 2016, it was permanently closed due to inefficiencies and the high cost of necessary upgrades. At the time of its closure, the facility was operating at less than 50% capacity and could no longer meet modern standards, including compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  

The building, now vacant, is slated for demolition to make way for an expanded Delaware State Police Troop 6 headquarters. Preservationists have advocated for its historical significance, but state officials have deemed it unsuitable for modern use. The facility’s legacy, however, remains tied to its namesake, John L. Webb, and its contributions to prison reform and inmate rehabilitation.