Sing Sing Correctional Facility

Sing Sing is New York's second-oldest continuously occupied state prison. Opened in 1826, the institution still functions as a maximum-security prison. Sing Sing is located near Ossining, New York, and its name is thought to be derived from “Sinck Sinck,” the name of a group of Native Americans who originally inhabited the area. Sing Sing was the third New York state prison built, following Newgate (1797–1828) and Auburn (opened 1816).

The prison's construction and early administration were overseen by former Auburn Prison warden and army captain Elam Lynds, who became infamous ...