Big Mac - Oklahoma’s Own Alcatraz

Ah, McAlester. Home of famous prison breaks, the electric chair, and some of the state's most "long-term" residents. The Oklahoma State Penitentiary—lovingly (or not-so-lovingly) nicknamed "Big Mac"—has been standing guard since 1908, making it one of the oldest and most notorious prisons in the state. If these walls could talk, well… they'd probably have some wild stories to tell.

A Castle of Concrete and Convictions

Architecturally speaking, Big Mac has the imposing, fortress-like presence institution. Its towering limestone walls were quarried by the prisoners themselves. Designed to be escape-proof, its thick walls and barred windows have done a decent job, aside from a few… notable exceptions.

Speaking of those, in 1973, the prison experienced one of the worst riots in U.S. history. Inmates took over, fires were set, and parts of the prison were completely destroyed. It was so bad that even the National Guard had to be called in. Let’s just say that if there was ever a time when the phrase "This is fine" didn’t apply, it was then.

Death Row and The Chair

Before Oklahoma adopted lethal injection, "Old Sparky" handled executions here. The electric chair, built by an inmate (because who better to build it?), saw 82 men take their final seat between 1915 and 1966. Today, Oklahoma still carries out executions, but the old chair has been retired—probably for the best, considering it was rumored to have had a few malfunctions.

Famous (and Infamous) Residents

Over the years, Big Mac has housed some of Oklahoma's most notorious criminals, including Pretty Boy Floyd's associates, the Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh (before he was moved to federal prison), and serial killers who, let’s just say, weren’t winning any citizen of the year awards.

A Prison with a Sense of Humor?

For decades, the prison was also home to the Prison Rodeo, where inmates could try their luck against angry bulls, wild broncs, and questionable life choices. Running from 1940 to 2009, it was once the biggest prison rodeo in the U.S., drawing thousands of spectators. Because, really, what better way to prove rehabilitation than riding a bull named Desperado?

Still Standing, Still Watching

Today, Big Mac is still in operation, looming over McAlester like a ghost from the past. Its history is dark, its walls are weathered, but it remains one of the most infamous landmarks in Oklahoma. Whether you see it as a fortress of justice or a relic of hard times, one thing’s for sure—this prison is as much a part of Oklahoma’s history as the land runs and oil booms.

📸 Captured through my lens—these images reveal the stark reality and eerie beauty of Oklahoma’s most infamous lock-up. 

Update: I included three images that are not mine, two of 'Old Sparky' and one of buildings on fire during the riots of 1973.