After one hundred forty-five years, it's time to retire the oldest prison in the United States.

On August 1, 1975, the Vermont State Prison building in Windsor ceased to be a prison. Prior to closing, it was the oldest prison still in use as a prison in the United States.

In 1808, Windsor won a bidding war to become the home of the state prison. A stone building with 35 cells and a separate brick house for the guards were constructed.

The building being retired on this day replaced the original stone building in 1830. This larger brick building contained 170 cells and was enlarged repeatedly through the years.

Once closed, the building was refurbished and then reopened, this time as an assisted living home.

The Vermont Book Of Days photo.

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