Cabarrus Correctional Center in Mount Pleasant, North Carolina, closed in 2011 and is now home to award-winning Southern Grace Distilleries.
Cabarrus Correctional Center in Mount Pleasant, North Carolina, closed in 2011 and is now home to award-winning Southern Grace Distilleries.
Michael Anderson S/Southern Grace Distilleries
The prison was established in 1929 as a humane alternative to chain gangs. Now it houses production facilities for corn whiskey and bourbon. <br />
The prison was established in 1929 as a humane alternative to chain gangs. Now it houses production facilities for corn whiskey and bourbon.
Southern Grace Distilleries
Tours are offered on Fridays and Saturdays and include a tasting for visitors age 21 and over. They begin after the 15-minute background movie shown in the former prison chapel.
Tours are offered on Fridays and Saturdays and include a tasting for visitors age 21 and over. They begin after the 15-minute background movie shown in the former prison chapel.
Michael Anderson S/Southern Grace Distilleries
The 21.5-acre compound, about 40 minutes northeast of Charlotte, held 200 to 400 inmates at a stretch.
The 21.5-acre compound, about 40 minutes northeast of Charlotte, held 200 to 400 inmates at a stretch.
Michael Anderson S/Southern Grace Distilleries
The prison has a "hot box" in the middle of the compound where prisoners were sent for infractions.
The prison has a "hot box" in the middle of the compound where prisoners were sent for infractions.
John Bordsen
Federal law requires distilleries have a secure perimeter -- and the prison came equipped with one. On the one-hour tour, guests learn the former prison also has other qualities conducive to distilling.
Federal law requires distilleries have a secure perimeter -- and the prison came equipped with one. On the one-hour tour, guests learn the former prison also has other qualities conducive to distilling.
John Bordsen