U.S. Penitentiary & USDB

Silver Screen hype and the Leavenworth prisons

Leavenworth and the word "prison" have been made synonymous through the power of the silver screen throughout the years. Leavenworth and Fort Leavenworth have five prisons located in the area. The facilities do not allow public tours, however, you may visit the First City Museum at 742 Delaware Street on Thursdays to see its extensive jail and prison displays.  The original historic U.S. Disciplinary Barracks or "USDB" for short, on Fort Leavenworth, allows visitors.  A person can tour the grounds and read about the buildings and residents on the Wayfinding Tour in the courtyard.  The large "Castle" that housed the military inmates was demolished in 2004. 

Please click on the burgundy box below to view information about the corresponding prison.  Visitors to the Fort must first obtain a day pass from the Visitors Center at Sherman Gate, cross streets of 4th and Metropolitan Streets.