Photo By Saxon Holt
The state bought this 200 acre tract (center background) for the construction of a new penal facility from Richard Purcell on February 22, 1971. The acreage was originally part of a 400 acre farm. When the owner died, his wife sold the farm to a Richmond jeweler for $75,000. On January 2, 2972, the jeweler sold half of the farm, 200 acres, to Mr. Purcell for $75,000. Mr. Purcell gave the state an option to buy the acreage, which he renewed May 29, 1970. The state took possession February 22, 1971. They paid $160,000 for the land.