Lincoln Heights Jail: A Haunting Relic of Los Angeles’ Past
Venture into the storied halls of the abandoned Lincoln Heights Jail in Los Angeles, California, a place that once housed notorious criminals and carried echoes of a tumultuous past. Its timeworn walls and rusted cell bars offer a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era, evoking both curiosity and the slightest hint of unease for those who dare to discover its secrets.
For an immersive experience, explore the 360-degree panoramic photographs available on Google Maps Street View. These images let you peer into the jail’s decaying corridors and hidden corners, allowing urban explorers worldwide to appreciate its crumbling beauty from a safe distance.
Images by: Google Maps Street View Team
The Abandoned Lincoln Heights Jail: A Forgotten Piece of Los Angeles History
Los Angeles is home to many forgotten landmarks, but few are as chilling and historically rich as the Lincoln Heights Jail. Once a formidable correctional facility, this now-abandoned structure stands as a decaying monument to a bygone era. Its crumbling walls and empty corridors attract those passionate about urban exploring in California, offering a glimpse into a dark chapter of LA’s past.
From its construction in the early 20th century to its eventual closure, Lincoln Heights Jail housed some of the city’s most notorious criminals, civil rights activists, and even celebrities. But why was it abandoned? What secrets does it hold? Let’s take a deep dive into the history of this fascinating site.
A Look Back: The Birth of Lincoln Heights Jail
Built in 1927, Lincoln Heights Jail was designed to accommodate the growing population of Los Angeles. At the time, crime rates were rising, and the city needed a modern facility to house inmates. The jail was an architectural product of its time, featuring a Spanish Revival style that gave it a surprisingly grand appearance for a correctional institution.
Initially, it could hold 625 inmates, but expansions over the decades increased its capacity. By the 1950s, it was overcrowded, housing thousands of prisoners, including gang members, bank robbers, and bootleggers.
Unlike many other jails of its era, Lincoln Heights was known for its progressive approach to incarceration. It had classrooms, recreational areas, and even an on-site print shop, where inmates could learn valuable skills. However, beneath this seemingly forward-thinking facade, the jail had a much darker side.
Infamous Inmates and Notorious Events
Throughout its operation, Lincoln Heights Jail saw its fair share of high-profile inmates and scandals. Some of the most notable moments in its history include:
The Zoot Suit Riots (1943)
One of the most infamous events tied to Lincoln Heights Jail was the Zoot Suit Riots. During World War II, tensions between white servicemen and young Mexican American men (who often wore flashy “zoot suits”) escalated into violent clashes. Many of the victims were arrested and detained at Lincoln Heights Jail, sparking outrage over racial discrimination and police brutality.
Celebrity Inmates
Lincoln Heights also briefly housed Al Capone during his West Coast travels and later saw comedian Lenny Bruce jailed for obscenity charges. The jail’s reputation extended beyond common criminals to figures entangled in social and political controversies.
Brutal Conditions and Corruption
Despite its reform-minded origins, Lincoln Heights became notorious for overcrowding, violence, and allegations of abuse. Reports of brutal beatings, unsanitary conditions, and corruption among guards emerged, tarnishing the jail’s reputation. By the 1950s and 1960s, it became clear that the facility was no longer fit for operation.
Why Was Lincoln Heights Jail Abandoned?
By 1965, the overcrowded and deteriorating jail was deemed unsafe and inhumane. Los Angeles authorities opted to shut it down, transferring inmates to newer, more modern facilities like the Twin Towers Correctional Facility.
After its closure, the jail remained vacant for years, with occasional repurposing attempts. For a brief period in the 1970s and 1980s, the building was used as a detox center and artists’ studio space. However, these efforts were short-lived, and by the late 1990s, the facility was completely abandoned.
Today, Lincoln Heights Jail stands as one of the most notorious abandoned places in California, attracting historians, filmmakers, and urban explorers alike.
Urban Exploring Lincoln Heights Jail: A Forbidden Adventure
For fans of urban exploring in California, Lincoln Heights Jail is a dream (or nightmare) destination. The structure remains largely untouched, with graffiti-covered walls, rusting metal bars, and eerie, dimly lit corridors that seem frozen in time.
Is It Legal to Explore?
Unfortunately, the site is off-limits to the public. Trespassing is strictly prohibited, and security measures have been increased in recent years. However, that hasn’t stopped adventurous explorers from attempting to document the decaying halls, and some have shared haunting images and videos online.
Paranormal Activity and Ghost Stories
As with many abandoned places, Lincoln Heights Jail is rumored to be haunted. Visitors and former employees have reported unexplained noises, shadowy figures, and a general sense of unease. Some even claim to have heard phantom whispers and distant screams echoing through the empty cells.
One of the most famous ghost stories involves Cell Block 3, where prisoners allegedly experienced mysterious deaths. Paranormal investigators have recorded strange occurrences, further fueling the legend of Lincoln Heights as a haunted hotspot.
Lincoln Heights Jail in Pop Culture
Despite its grim past, Lincoln Heights Jail has found new life in Hollywood. The jail has been used as a filming location for countless movies, TV shows, and music videos, including:
- “L.A. Confidential” (1997) – A neo-noir crime film that perfectly captured the jail’s vintage aesthetic.
- “Nightmare on Elm Street” (1984) – Some of the eerie, shadow-filled corridors made their way into this horror classic.
- “American History X” (1998) – Several prison scenes were filmed at Lincoln Heights Jail, adding to its cinematic legacy.
The jail’s haunting atmosphere makes it a favorite for directors looking to capture an authentic, decayed aesthetic.
The Future of Lincoln Heights Jail
For years, there have been discussions about redeveloping Lincoln Heights Jail into a mixed-use space with housing, offices, and art installations. In 2016, the city proposed a $150 million renovation project, but as of now, progress has been slow.
While some preservationists hope to maintain parts of the original structure, others fear that the jail will eventually be demolished. Until then, it remains one of the most intriguing abandoned places in California, holding onto its ghostly aura.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Know Landmark for Urban Explorers
Lincoln Heights Jail is more than just an abandoned building—it’s a piece of Los Angeles history filled with stories of crime, injustice, and resilience. Whether you’re drawn to its eerie atmosphere, rich history, or cinematic legacy, this forgotten prison continues to captivate.
Though urban exploring at this location is no longer legal, its legend lives on through photographs, films, and ghost stories. As one of the most talked-about abandoned places in California, Lincoln Heights Jail remains a symbol of a city that constantly evolves, leaving behind echoes of its past.
Would you visit Lincoln Heights Jail if it were ever reopened to the public? Let us know your thoughts!
IF you liked this blog post, you might be interested in learning about the Boulston Church in Wales, the Seguin Unit detention center in Central Florida, or the Paradise Mini Golf Complex on Florida’s East Coast.

A 360-degree panoramic photograph captured by the Google Maps Street View Team of the Lincoln Heights Jail in Los Angeles.
Welcome to a world of exploration and intrigue at Abandoned in 360, where adventure awaits with our exclusive membership options. Dive into the mysteries of forgotten places with our Gold Membership, offering access to GPS coordinates to thousands of abandoned locations worldwide. For those seeking a deeper immersion, our Platinum Membership goes beyond the map, providing members with exclusive photos and captivating 3D virtual walkthroughs of these remarkable sites. Discover hidden histories and untold stories as we continually expand our map with new locations each month. Embark on your journey today and uncover the secrets of the past like never before. Join us and start exploring with Abandoned in 360.
Do you have 360-degree panoramic images captured in an abandoned location? Send your images to Abandonedin360@gmail.com. If you choose to go out and do some urban exploring in your town, here are some safety tips before you head out on your Urbex adventure. If you want to start shooting 360-degree panoramic images, you might want to look onto one-click 360-degree action cameras.
Click on a state below and explore the top abandoned places for urban exploring in that state.