The new prison is due to open in 1999 and combine the staff and inmates from Watauga, Avery and Yancey correctional centers. Avery and Yancey are remaining open, for now, on a temporary basis. Watauga was one of 61 field unit prisons renovated or built during the late 1930's to house inmates who worked building roads. The prison's original dormitory is still in use. In the late 1970's, inmates under the supervision of correction engineers built a 28 single cell unit for housing inmates in administrative or disciplinary segregation.
Inmates work in a number of jobs.
They may be assigned to Department of Transportation road crews or as maintenance or kitchen help at the prison. Drive north on U.S. 421 from Boone for about two miles. The unit will be on the left. All rights reserved.