Inmate Guide: Huntsville Unit (HV), Texas
Overview of the Facility
The Huntsville Unit, also known as "The Walls Unit," is a maximum-security prison located in Huntsville, Texas. It is the oldest Texas state prison and houses the state's execution chamber.
Contact Information
- Address: 815 12th Street, Huntsville, TX 77348
- Phone: (936) 437-1555
- Website: TDCJ Huntsville Unit
How to Locate an Inmate
To locate an inmate at Huntsville Unit, use the TDCJ Offender Search tool.
Visitation Information and Hours
Visitation hours are typically on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list.
How to Send Money
Money can be sent to inmates through:
- JPay
- Access Corrections
- Money order by mail
Phone Calls and Video Options
Inmates can make collect calls or use prepaid phone accounts. Video visitation may be available through Securus Technologies.
Inmate Services and Programs
- Educational programs
- Vocational training
- Substance abuse treatment
- Religious services
History of the Facility
Established in 1849, the Huntsville Unit is the oldest state prison in Texas. It began operations in 1849 and has been in continuous use since then.
Security and Management Information
As a maximum-security facility, the Huntsville Unit employs strict security measures, including armed guards, surveillance systems, and controlled access points.
Legal and Visitation Rights
Inmates have the right to legal counsel and visitation from approved family members and friends, subject to prison regulations.
Booking and Release Process
Booking involves intake procedures, including fingerprinting and medical screening. Release procedures vary depending on the inmate's sentence completion or parole status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What items can I bring during visitation?
Visitors are generally allowed to bring identification, car keys, and a small amount of cash for vending machines. All other items must be left in lockers or vehicles.
How often can inmates receive visits?
Inmates are typically allowed visits on weekends, with the frequency depending on their custody level and behavior.
Can I send books or magazines to an inmate?
Books and magazines must be sent directly from approved vendors or publishers. Personal packages are not accepted.
Famous Prisoners
- Cameron Todd Willingham - Executed in 2004 for arson that killed his children, but case remains controversial due to questionable evidence.
- Karla Faye Tucker - First woman executed in Texas since the Civil War, for the 1983 pickaxe murders of two people.
- Kenneth McDuff - Serial killer known as the "Broomstick Killer," executed in 1998 for multiple murders.
- Gary Graham - Executed in 2000 for a 1981 murder, amid controversy over eyewitness testimony.
- Cesar Fierro - On death row for over 40 years before his sentence was commuted to life in prison in 2020.
