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200 Years Inside Sing Sing Prison

American History Hit

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The Dark Legacy of Sing Sing

This chapter explores the historical association of Sing Sing Prison with capital punishment, particularly the electric chair, detailing its evolution from public hangings. It examines the societal implications of executions conducted at the prison, the establishment of a death house aimed at streamlining the process, and the influence of socioeconomic status on capital punishment. Additionally, it reflects on significant reform efforts in the penal system during the Gilded Age and Progressive Era, highlighting key figures who sought to humanize corrections amidst a backdrop of controversy.

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