Wainwright Unit in Lovelady

The J. Dale Wainwright Unit, formerly known as the Eastham Unit, is a large men’s prison in Lovelady, Texas, operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Opened in April 1917, the unit sits on roughly 12,789 acres along FM 230, about 13 miles west of Trinity. Over the past century, it has evolved from a hard-labor farm unit into a modern facility that balances security with programming and industry.

Today, Wainwright can accommodate 2,464 inmates across a range of custody levels (G1–G4, security detention, and transient). The unit runs extensive agricultural operations, cattle, crops, swine, and an egg-laying operation. It houses a garment factory, reflecting its long history as one of Texas’s most self-sustaining prison farms.

Education and reentry are also central: offerings include literacy and GED classes, cognitive intervention, CHANGES pre-release, and vocational programs through Lee College, alongside faith-based dorms and chaplaincy services.

The site is historically significant. Known for decades as “The Ham,” Eastham (now Wainwright) once had a reputation as one of Texas’s toughest prisons and figured prominently in state prison history—from the early Texas Prison Rodeo to notable episodes involving infamous inmates. In recent years, rehabilitation programs have helped reshape that legacy.

Latest visitation schedule: as listed by TDCJ, visitation at the J. Dale Wainwright Unit is available

• Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Visitors must be on the approved list and follow TDCJ guidelines. 

For further information about the J. Dale Wainwright Unit, including inmate records search and visitation details, individuals can refer to the official website of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice or utilize online inmate search platforms specific to the state of Texas.