Rep. Thomas Bennett visits old Joliet Prison | Facebook
Rep. Thomas Bennett visits old Joliet Prison | Facebook
Rep. Thomas Bennett (R-Watseka) recently took to social media to share his experience visiting the Old Joliet Prison.
In an Aug. 10 Facebook post, Bennett provided insight on the facility which was operational for 144 years and typically held 1,500 inmates.
“Thank you to Jessica Basham and the Joliet Area Historical Museum for an invite to legislators to tour the old Joliet Prison and learn how they are working to increase economic development in the area,” Bennett wrote in the post.
The prison opened in 1858 and closed in 2002 due to budgetary reasons, according to the Old Joliet Prison website. It was featured in "The Blues Brothers" in 1980 and has since been featured in numerous other Hollywood productions including the television show “Prison Break” and the movie “Derailed.”
Individuals who are interested in visiting the prison have various tour options including a self-guided tour that ranges from $10 to $20 per person depending on the age of the visitor.
The Peoria Standard reports Bennett used his Facebook page back in April to share information with homeowners in the area who may have qualified for the Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF). These funds were intended for individuals who were struggling with mortgage payments and related expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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