Compelling History of a Washington DC Prison Transformed to the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, VA

We discovered the rich history of Lorton Workhouse, a former DC prison that operated for 91 years. We visited the Lucy Burns Museum, dedicated to the suffragists who were imprisoned there, and learned about their courageous fight for women's right to vote. We also learned about the 91 year history of the prison. It was initially intended to be a progressive institution focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Lorton was known for its unique design, which included a workhouse model where inmates engaged in labor such as farming, woodworking, and brickmaking. Despite its rehabilitative intentions, the facility faced numerous challenges, including overcrowding, riots, and administrative issues, leading to its eventual shutdown.

Today, the site of the former prison has been repurposed as a cultural and residential area, with the Workhouse Arts Center and the Lucy Burns Museum preserving its legacy and educating visitors about its complex history and the pivotal role it played in the women’s suffrage movement.