The Connection Between St Cloud's Prison & This World Wonder

I've lived in Central Minnesota for years, and I have to admit, the wall surrounding the Minnesota Correctional Facility in St. Cloud has always intimidated me.

Maybe it's because it's so massive. Maybe it's because you can't see what's on the other side. Maybe it's because when you're driving by, you realize just how small you are. I've always thought there's something about that wall that I'll never know.

I NEVER MADE THE CONNECTION

Recently, I learned something that made me look at it a little differently.

According to a new story, the wall surrounding the prison is believed to be the second-longest continuous stone wall built by prisoners in the world. The only one longer is the Great Wall of China.

Wait... what? Seriously?! Right here in St. Cloud?

I had no idea.

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A LITTLE BIT'O HISTORY

According to the news story, the prison first opened in 1889 as the Minnesota State Reformatory for Men. Not long after that, inmates began building the wall using granite taken from the prison's own quarry.

KSTP 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS/YouTube

THIS IS WHAT IS AMAZING TO ME...

What amazes me is how it was built. There were no modern cranes, hydraulic lifts, or heavy equipment. The wall was constructed largely by hand with horse-drawn assistance.

Apparently, the project took more than a decade to complete!

THE GREAT WALL OF ST CLOUD, MINNESOTA

Today, the wall stands 22 feet high, is about four and a half feet thick, and stretches for more than a mile and a half around the prison grounds. Ten guard towers overlook the perimeter, making it one of the most recognizable landmarks in St. Cloud.

I've driven past it countless times, and every time it catches my attention. There's something about those towering granite blocks that feels both historic and a little intimidating.

WHAT OTHER STORIES ARE THERE BEHIND THAT WALL?

But now, when I see it, I don't just see a prison wall. I see more than a century of Minnesota history, and I wonder how many more stories there are to be told behind that wall?

I see the incredible amount of labor it took to build something that has stood strong for over 100 years. I can't help but wonder how many people drive by every day without realizing they're looking at one of the most unique structures in the entire state.

Next time you drive by, think about our connection to the 7 Wonders of the World.

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Source: The Connection Between St Cloud’s Prison & This ‘World Wonder’