Cabarrus was one of 61 field unit prisons renovated or built during the late 1930's to house inmates who worked building roads. In the original prison, inmates were housed in a building that had two dormitories. A modular dormitory was added in 1978 and later removed. A chapel was built in the early 1970's by the Cabarrus Christian Ministries Association and religious services are provided seven days a week by volunteers. Classes for adult education and preparation for the GED tests are also offered.
Inmates work in a number of jobs.
They may be assigned to Department of Transportation road crews or work under contract for local government agencies. Inmates may also be assigned to maintenance or kitchen duties. Inmates nearing parole may participate in work release, leaving the prison for the part of the day to work for a business in the community. Take I-85 to Concord and head east on N.C. 73. The unit is three-quarters mile east of Mt. Pleasant on the left.