It 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 1978, inmates under the supervision of correction engineers built a 24-cell unit for placing inmates in administrative and disciplinary segregation. Mayland Community College works with the prison to provide vocational classes on horticulture and welding. Classes for adult education and preparation for the GED tests are also available.
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. Blue Ridge Youth Center is across the road. From I-40, exit at Marion, NC and take U.S. 221 to U.S. 194 south. Go a quarter mile and turn left at the unit's brick sign. From Spruce Pine, take U.S. 19E north to U.S. 194 north.