In 1849, the first inmates arrived at the site of the Texas State Penitentiary at Huntsville. The inmates were placed in temporary structures until the actual prison was constructed. The original prison still exists inside of the Huntsville (or “Walls”) Unit in downtown Huntsville.  It was completely surrounded by the later construction and no longer used.  The original prison cells were open air and all faced outside.  Even after the newer prison was built, many inmates preferred these older cells in the summertime because they were cooler.  In the winter, they hung blankets inside the bars to keep out the cold. The Huntsville Unit now serves as one of the TDCJ’s regional release centers for male prisoners.