What is ADX Florence? About The Famous Colorado Supermax Jail
ADX Florence is the only federal supermax prison in the United States, located in Florence, Colorado. Often called the “Alcatraz of the Rockies,” it is designed to confine some of the nation’s most dangerous and high-profile inmates. Let’s explore the prison’s history, its advanced security measures, what daily life inside looks like, and the infamous inmates who serve their time within its walls.
What is ADX Florence?
ADX Florence is classified as a supermax prison, built specifically to contain the nation’s most dangerous offenders. Inmates are held in near-total isolation with minimal human contact, a design created after violent incidents at other federal facilities. The prison’s structure and policies focus on absolute control, making escape or disruption virtually impossible.
How Many Supermax Prisons Are There?
ADX Florence stands out as the only federal supermax in the United States. While some states operate their own high-security units, none match the unique role and reputation of ADX.
History and Purpose
ADX Florence opened in 1995 after the deadly murders of two officers at Marion prison highlighted the need for stronger control. It was created to house inmates considered too violent, escape-prone, or disruptive for other facilities. The prison’s design emphasized maximum security and long-term isolation as a way to contain the most extreme offenders.
Known as the “Alcatraz of the Rockies,” ADX has never had an escape. Some former wardens have described life inside as “worse than death”, underscoring its unforgiving reputation.
Life Inside ADX Florence
A typical ADX Florence cell measures just 7-by-12 feet and is built almost entirely of poured concrete. Each includes a bed, desk, toilet, and a narrow slit window that only reveals the sky. Inmates spend up to 23 hours a day confined inside.
Daily Routine & Restrictions
Meals are delivered directly to cells, with no communal dining. Phone calls and visits are tightly restricted, and exercise takes place in small “concrete pits” that resemble empty swimming pools.
Security Features
ADX Florence is designed for total control, equipped with steel doors, motion detectors, cameras, laser beams, and even attack dogs. Remote panic buttons allow immediate facility-wide lockdowns.
Notorious Colorado Supermax Inmates
Terrorists and Mass Killers
ADX Florence houses some of the world’s most infamous criminals. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the Boston Marathon bomber, is serving a death sentence. Terry Nichols, convicted for his role in the Oklahoma City bombing, is serving multiple life terms. Zacarias Moussaoui, the only person convicted in a U.S. court for the 9/11 attacks, is also confined here.
Organized Crime & Cartel Leaders
Drug kingpin Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán is one of the most recognized inmates, sent here after multiple prison escapes in Mexico. Larry Hoover, the leader of the Gangster Disciples, continues to serve his life sentences at ADX.
Other Infamous Criminals
Other names include Richard Reid, the failed shoe bomber, Eric Rudolph, the Olympic Park bomber, and Robert Hanssen, a notorious FBI spy. Its inmates may not be among Colorado’s most famous residents, but they are certainly its most infamous.
Why ADX Florence Matters
ADX Florence stands as a symbol of maximum security in the U.S. correctional system. Its strict design and operations spark ongoing debates about solitary confinement and human rights, yet the prison plays a critical role in isolating inmates who pose serious national security risks. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, ADX ensures that the country’s most dangerous criminals remain under absolute control, preventing further violence or escape attempts.
FAQs
Where is ADX Florence located?
ADX Florence is in Florence, Colorado, about two hours south of Denver.
How many inmates are at ADX Florence?
The facility has the capacity to hold 490 inmates, but the actual population is often much lower.
What crimes lead to being sent to ADX?
Inmates convicted of terrorism, mass killings, organized crime, espionage, or repeated violent behavior are often transferred here.
Can inmates ever leave ADX Florence?
Some may transfer to lower-security prisons after years of good behavior, but many remain for life.
How many supermax prisons are there in the U.S.?
ADX Florence is the only federal supermax, though some states operate their own facilities.
Who are the most famous ADX Florence inmates?
El Chapo, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, Terry Nichols, Zacarias Moussaoui, and Richard Reid are among the most infamous prisoners currently housed at the Colorado supermax jail.
Has anyone ever escaped from ADX Florence?
No. The prison’s design and security make escape virtually impossible.
