ABSTRACT
The popular image of the prison is the “Big House.” San Quentin State Prison, at the tip of Marin County, California, fits this image well. An imposing structure, built in the mid 1850s, this prison has all the features of the classic fortress prison. The three-tiered cell blocks, the cells fronted by iron bars, the large exercise yard, and the guard towers and gun rails all contribute to the overall feeling that this is indeed a place for punishment.
