Watertown Correctional Facility

The Watertown Correctional Facility, located in Watertown, New York, has a rich history of transforming from a military installation to a correctional institution. Originally known as the Dry Hill Radar Installation, the site was repurposed in 1981 when prison Commissioner Thomas A. Coughlin III announced its conversion into a medium-security prison. The transformation began in January 1982, and by June of that year, the facility welcomed its first inmates.

Initially accommodating around 225 inmates, the facility underwent significant expansion following a state legislature grant, allowing it to house up to 545 inmates. This expansion, completed in the fall of 1984, included three new dormitory units and a new mess hall and kitchen, ultimately increasing its capacity to over 750 inmates.

Despite its robust infrastructure, the Watertown Correctional Facility is now permanently closed. During its operational years, it played a significant role in the local correctional system, adapting to various needs and changes over time. The facility’s closure marks the end of an era for the site, which had been a fixture in the community since its days as a radar installation.

As of November 2024, the Watertown Correctional Facility’s visitation schedule is not available due to its closure. However, for those interested in historical visitation practices, visits typically occurred on specific days with designated hours, reflecting the structured environment of correctional institutions.