State Rep. Thomas Bennett (R-Pontiac) took to social media this week to share his experience visiting the Old Joliet Prison.
In a Facebook post, Bennett provided insight on the facility that 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,” he said in the post.
The prison opened in 1858 and closed in 2002 due to budgetary reasons, the Old Joliet Prison website said. It is known for “Joliet Jake Blues” from the 1980 Blues Brothers movie, and it has since been featured in numerous other Hollywood productions including the television show “Prison Break” and movie “Derailed.”
Individuals who are interested in visiting the prison can chose from various tour offerings including a self-guided one that ranges from $10 to $20 per person depending on the age of the visitor.
In April, Bennett used his Facebook page to share information with homeowners in the area who may have qualified for the Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF), a Peoria Standard report said. Those funds were intended for individuals who were struggling with mortgage payments and related expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
