Auburn prison became the first "prison for profit" . Through use of inmate labor and local contracts. The inmates made no money from this labor, it all went to the prison and those who ran it. The striped uniform and solitary confinement were created here as well. This silent prison, was a havoc on the mental health of those who found themselves living in it. William Freeman proclaimed his innocence and demanded compensation. When he was left unheard or rebuffed he turned to violence.

Sources:

McHugh, Eileen. 2010. Auburn Correctional Facility

Bernstein, Robin. 2024. Freeman’s Challenge. The murder that shook America’s original prison for profit

⁠https://www.zinnedproject.org/news/tdih/william-freeman-imprisoned⁠

⁠https://history.nycourts.gov/case/people-v-freeman/⁠

⁠https://history.nycourts.gov/case/people-v-freeman/⁠

⁠https://www.unsunghistorypodcast.com/Auburn/⁠

⁠https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/people_v._william_freeman_(1847)⁠

⁠https://www.c-span.org/clip/public-affairs-event/william-freeman-and-the-auburn-state-prison/5132141#⁠!