Haunted Cleveland

Ohio State Reformatory at Mansfield

When I was growing up in Columbus, all of the neighborhood mothers used to threaten their kids that if they weren't good, they'd get sent to Mansfield. (Nice bunch of mothers.) Thoughts of the dark, foreboding stone castle were enough to keep even the most unruly kid in check.

The Ohio State Reformatory, at Mansfield, was designed in 1896 by Cleveland architect, Levi Scofield, who also designed the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in downtown Cleveland. The building architect was F.F. Schnitzer, whose name is etched in the cornerstone of the reformatory. The gothic, church-like stone structure was intended to inspire inmates to reform. Unfortunately, it most likely had the opposite effect. As early as the 1930s, the prison was cited for having inhumane living conditions. Notorious is the prison's "Hole," a series of one-man cells with no facilities, no light, and little air. The facility closed in 1990.

Several inmates and guards were killed during their time at Mansfield and numerous sightings have been reported. Almost everyone leaves the property with a deep feeling of sadness. By all accounts, Mansfield was never a happy place.

The Ohio State Reformatory has been featured in numerous films and TV productions, including the movies Air Force One and The Shawshank Redemption.

The structure is currently being renovated as a museum. Tours are offered Tuesday through Friday at 2pm and throughout the day on Sundays.

^{(Last updated 1-11-07)}