As long as there's been people, there's been people behaving badly. And we gotta put 'em someplace.

With as much history as New York state has, perhaps it's no surprise that within our borders lies some of the oldest prisons in the entire country, each with a unique story to tell. Some of our state's institutions date back to the 19th century, offering a unique glimpse into the historical landscape of criminal justice as a whole.

Photo courtesy of Pavel Neznanov on Unsplash
Photo courtesy of Pavel Neznanov on Unsplash
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Here in Central New York alone, the NYS Department of Corrections operates several facilities, including Mohawk Correctional Facility in Rome (medium security), Marcy Correctional Facility (medium security) and Mid-State Correctional Facility (medium security with a state-run hospital for the mentally ill). These facilities house thousands of inmates between them.

However, none of the three above-mentioned institutions are really all that old, opening at various points during the 1980s. So to find the oldest prisons in the state, we have to look beyond our area.

SEE ALSO: Harvey Weinstein is Still Being Held at Mohawk Correctional Facility

Below you'll find a gallery of the seven oldest prisons still operating in New York state. Taking a closer look at these old facilities gives us a pretty interesting peek into how New York State's correctional system has evolved and changed over the years.

I guess we should just be thankful we're on the outside looking in, right?

Let's take a closer look:

The 7 Oldest Continuously Operating Prisons in New York State

With as much history as New York state has, perhaps it's no surprise that within our borders lies some of the oldest prisons in the entire country.

Gallery Credit: Will Phillips

9 Famous People to Do Time in Central New York Prisons

Can we have your autograph?! Just slip it through the bars, please.

Gallery Credit: Will Phillips

See What's Inside This Haunted NY Prison Abandoned a Decade Ago

Gallery Credit: Photo: Jessica Hall

Ten New York Yankees' Players You Didn't Know Were Arrested

Every team has players, current and former, who have law trouble. The New York Yankees are no exception, and here are ten players you may not know were arrested.

Gallery Credit: Dan Bahl

Ten More NY Yankees' Players You Didn't Know Were Arrested

Following up on a previous story, here are ten other members of the NY Yankees' organization who had trouble with the law before, during or after their careers.

Gallery Credit: Dan Bahl

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