Angola
The Farm
State: Louisiana
County: West Feliciana Parish
Founded: 1830s (plantation)
Abandoned: 1901 (town)
Peak Population: Plantation + prison
Angola was a slave plantation named for the African homeland of many of its enslaved workers. After the Civil War, it became a prison farm. The original plantation community is gone, replaced by America's largest maximum-security prison (18,000 acres). A small museum tells the dark history.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Year-round (museum)
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Quick Facts
- Named for African country
- Largest max-security prison in US
- Prison museum open to public
Location
Address: Louisiana State Penitentiary, Angola, LA
Coordinates: 30.95, -91.5667