In the mid-nineteenth century, imprisonment was used as punishment for serious crimes, but legislatures wouldn't agree to finance criminal institutions, which caused for the managers of these institutions to create a more acceptable environment in such industries. Employment rates for prisoners declined, and because they didn't have the necessary funds, prisons began to fall apart. Prisons were instructed to rehabilitate inmates instead of just holding them as prisoners, and new prisons were called "reformatories" or "correctional facilities" for this reason. Eventually, prisons were just places for as many prisoners to be held possible. Because there were so many prisoners, it was chaotic, and guards had to use torture to keep them in line.

Dorothea Dix was an extremely influential reformer of the 1800s. Her work led to prison reform and improved treatment of the insane. In 1843 Dix sent the following report to the Massachusetts legislature: “If I inflict pain upon you, and move you to horror, it is to acquaint you with the sufferings which you have the power to alleviate (cure), and to make you hasten to the relief of the victims of legalized barbarity.” Another reformer of the 1800s was Eliza Farnham. She was appointed prison matron of Sing Sing Prison in 1844. She believed strongly in prison reform, but faced a lot of obstacles. Previously, Sing Sing Prison had been the quintessential scary "House of Fear" under several wardens, most notably Elam Lynds. A new board of inspectors, helmed by John Worth Edmonds, wanted to reform the prison and ergo appointed Eliza Farnham, a well-known philanthropist, feminist, phrenologist, and author. Farnham removed the silence rule, added an educational program, and advocated such luxuries as decorations, recreational activities, and leisure activities. Eventually, Farnham angered John Luckey, a chaplain, and their