Ozark Jail Inmate Search

History of the prison building

Back in 1819, the territory of Alabama was acknowledged to the Union there was no jail established within the area. The reason was simply that people in that era did not feel that a prison needed to be built nor did they want to live near one. Everything that was in regards to a justice system was completed alone by the citizens and county sheriffs because it was fast and efficient in those days. It led to hangings and beatings of the accused. With trials that were left to the public, it allowed the area to bring in more people to see how justice could have prevailed, thus making each person accused of a crime more of a local event. There were events for anything from murders, stealing, treason, robbery, and more. However, during the early 1830s, the justice system was slowly changing throughout the United States and going to a more organized style as well as the civilized style of legislation. Therefore, the areas that did not have a penitentiary center would soon have one as a crime was not being brought down as much as the government wanted it to be. Soon after the justice system was sought after a better way of life, Alabama also decided to get on board and find the right location for a state prison. They found that Ozark was the right area of choice and a proper location to handle the masses. This location was chosen because it is north of the Arkansas River and was close to a railroad so transportation of the criminals was easier to maintain.

Historical events Of Ozark Jail

January 1839: Government Established a State Penitentiary System With A Corrective Code Of Justice

August 1839: Found Location In Ozark For Prison

November 1841: First Prison Warden Was Selected

The year 1842: First Male Prison Inmate Was Entered Into The System For A 20 Year Sentence For Harboring A Runaway Slave

February 1846: First Female Inmate Was Entered Into The System For Murder

Facts About The Ozark Prison

The prison is established in a perfect location for the state because the river and railroad nearby allowed for easier maintenance. There was a government established code enforced, which allowed the accused to have a proper trial before they were sent to the prison. When the prison was first established, there were only a few employees, therefore, they had to follow the code as closely as possible. As of today, there are over three thousand employees that help run the prison.