The U.S. Penitentiary for the District of Columbia

The purpose of this study is to describe the operations of one penal institution, the U.S. Penitentiary for the District of Columbia from 1826 when it was established until it ceased to exist in 1862. In addition to the major purpose of describing one method used in the District of Columbia for treating persons convicted of felonies certain comparisons will be made with regard to: (1 the method employed for treating the offender prior to the erection of the penitentiary; 2) other penitentiaries at that time (in effect a comparison between federal and state penal practices); 3) the present day reformatory.