USP Atlanta (FCI Atlanta) — Federal Prison in Atlanta, Georgia

What Is USP Atlanta?

United States Penitentiary Atlanta — commonly known as USP Atlanta or the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary — is a federal prison operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) in southeast Atlanta, Georgia. For over a century, it has been one of the most recognizable federal correctional facilities in the country.

In recent years, the BOP redesignated the facility from a high-security United States Penitentiary (USP) to a low-security Federal Correctional Institution (FCI Atlanta). Despite the official name change, the facility is still widely referred to as USP Atlanta. The physical signage on the building may still reflect the former name pending a formal historical survey by the state of Georgia.

The Atlanta Federal Correctional Complex includes three distinct components:

• FCI Atlanta (formerly USP Atlanta) — Low-security facility for sentenced male inmates
• Satellite Prison Camp — Minimum-security camp for lower-risk male inmates
• Detention Center — Houses pre-trial detainees and holdover inmates in transit between federal facilities

USP Atlanta Contact Information

History of USP Atlanta

The Atlanta Federal Penitentiary is one of the oldest federal prisons still in operation in the United States. Its history spans more than 120 years and reflects the broader evolution of the federal prison system.

Construction and Opening (1899–1902)

In 1899, President William McKinley authorized the construction of a new federal prison in Atlanta, Georgia. Georgia Congressman Leonidas F. Livingston championed placing the facility in Atlanta. U.S. Attorney General John W. Griggs and architect William S. Eames traveled to Atlanta on April 18, 1899, to select the prison site.

The main building was designed by the St. Louis architecture firm Eames & Young — the same firm that designed the main building at United States Penitentiary, Leavenworth. Both facilities were authorized under the Three Prisons Act of 1891, which established federal penitentiaries in Leavenworth, Kansas; Atlanta, Georgia; and McNeil Island, Washington.

Construction was completed in January 1902. The facility opened when six convicts were transferred from Sing Sing Correctional Facility in New York. At the time, the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary encompassed approximately 300 acres with an initial capacity of 1,200 inmates, eventually growing to hold 3,000 — making it the largest federal prison in the country.

Establishment of the BOP (1930)

When the U.S. government created the Federal Bureau of Prisons in 1930, the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary was officially renamed the United States Penitentiary, Atlanta (USP Atlanta) and placed under BOP administration.

The Mariel Boatlift and 1987 Riots

In the 1980s, USP Atlanta became a detention center for Cuban refugees from the Mariel boatlift who were deemed ineligible for release into American society. In November 1987, after the U.S. and Cuba reached an agreement to return many of these detainees to Cuba, approximately 1,400 Cuban detainees at USP Atlanta rioted for 11 days. They seized dozens of hostages and set fire to parts of the prison. At least one prisoner was killed, eight sustained gunshot wounds, and two prison guards were injured. The prison was substantially rebuilt following the uprising.

Expansion and Modern Era

In 1995, a new housing unit for pre-trial detainees was added to the complex. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, USP Atlanta also served as a major transfer hub within the federal prison system, temporarily housing inmates being moved between facilities.

The BOP has since redesignated the facility from a high-security USP to a low-security Federal Correctional Institution (FCI Atlanta), reflecting a shift in mission and the inmate population it serves.

Security Level and Classification

Following its redesignation, the Atlanta federal prison complex now operates at multiple security levels:

• FCI Atlanta (Main Facility) — Low security. Houses inmates in one- and two-person cells as well as open dormitories.
• Satellite Prison Camp — Minimum security. Inmates are housed in dormitories divided into two-person cubicles.
• Detention Center — Administrative security. Houses pre-trial inmates and individuals in holdover or transit status. Includes additional high-security detention center units for higher-risk inmates.

The facility provides Medical Care Level 2 and Mental Health Care Level 3 services, indicating it can treat inmates with stable chronic conditions and provide outpatient mental health care including crisis intervention.

USP Atlanta Visitation Hours and Rules

The Bureau of Prisons encourages visitation at FCI Atlanta to help maintain inmate morale and strengthen family connections. All visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visiting list before arriving — unapproved visitors will be turned away.

Visiting Schedule

Important visitation details:

• Visitors may arrive at the parking lot starting at 7:45 AM but will not be allowed inside until 8:00 AM.
• Processing of incoming visitors ends at 2:00 PM — arrive before then to be admitted.
• FCI general population inmates use an even/odd weekend schedule based on the fifth digit of their register number.
• Each inmate is allowed five visits per calendar month. Holiday visits generally do not count against this limit.
• A maximum of four adults and three children may visit one inmate at a time.

Visitor Identification Requirements

All visitors must present two forms of identification. At least one must include a photograph. Acceptable photo IDs include:

• Current driver’s license
• State-issued identification card
• Valid passport

A second form of ID (such as a birth certificate or signed identification card) may be used alongside the photo ID.

Dress Code

FCI Atlanta enforces a strict dress code. Visitors may be denied entry for noncompliance. The following are not permitted:

• Skirts or dresses more than 3 inches above the knee
• Shorts, halter tops, tube tops, tank tops, or clothing exposing the midriff
• See-through, backless, strapless, or low-cut clothing
• Hooded shirts or skin-tight clothing
• Khaki pants or shirts, gray sweatpants or sweatshirts (too similar to inmate/staff attire)
• Shower shoes, house shoes, or beach-type footwear

Choose modest, neutral-colored street clothing. Bras must be worn. Children under 12 may wear shorts.

What to Bring (and What Not to Bring)

Visitors pass through metal detectors and may be pat-searched. Personal items must be stored in lockers provided in the visitor waiting area. You may bring:

• A small amount of cash in a clear plastic bag (for vending machines in the visiting room)
• Car keys (stored in locker)
• One clear plastic bag no larger than 8″ × 6″ for authorized items

The following are strictly prohibited: cell phones, weapons, drugs, tobacco, electronics, cameras, food, gum, newspapers, magazines, and packages of any kind.

How to Send Mail to an Inmate at USP Atlanta

FCI Atlanta

INMATE NAME & REGISTER NUMBER
FCI Atlanta
Federal Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 150160
Atlanta, GA 30315

Satellite Prison Camp

INMATE NAME & REGISTER NUMBER
FCI Atlanta
Federal Correctional Institution
Satellite Camp
P.O. Box 150160
Atlanta, GA 30315

Use plain envelopes and plain white paper. Avoid stickers, perfume, glitter, or Polaroid-style photos. All non-legal mail is opened and inspected by staff. Legal mail from attorneys must be clearly labeled as such.

Sending Money to Inmates

Do not send money to the facility address. All funds for federal inmates must be sent to the centralized BOP processing center in Des Moines, Iowa, regardless of which institution the inmate is housed at. Methods include postal money orders and the BOP’s electronic deposit system through Western Union or MoneyGram.

Inmate Communication

In addition to mail, inmates at FCI Atlanta can communicate with approved contacts through:

• Phone calls — Inmates place calls using the institutional phone system. Calls are time-limited (typically 15 minutes) and may be monitored and recorded. Family members must be on the inmate’s approved phone list.
• TRULINCS email — The Trust Fund Limited Inmate Computer System allows inmates to send and receive electronic messages with individuals on their approved contact list. Messages are monitored.
• Video visitation — May be available depending on current facility policy and equipment availability.

Programs and Services at USP Atlanta

Education

FCI Atlanta offers literacy, GED, and English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) programs. Adult Continuing Education (ACE) classes and a parenting program are also available. Inmates may pursue high school diplomas and post-secondary degrees through paid correspondence programs.

Vocational Training

The facility provides vocational training in several trades:

• Basic Custodial Maintenance
• Electrical
• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)

Work experience opportunities include positions as cook, baker, butcher, electrician, plumber, painter, and carpenter.

UNICOR (Federal Prison Industries)

FCI Atlanta operates a UNICOR factory where inmates are employed in the production of mailbags, battle dress uniforms, and mattresses. Quality assurance and clerical positions are also available.

Psychology and Drug Treatment

All new inmates receive a psychological intake screening. Ongoing services include individual and group psychotherapy, anger management groups, and criminal thinking programs. A Mental Health Step Down Program serves inmates with serious mental health concerns.

While FCI Atlanta does not offer the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), it does provide a Drug Education class, the Non-Residential Drug Abuse Program (NR-DAP), and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings.

Recreation

Indoor and outdoor recreation includes intramural team sports (softball, basketball, soccer, volleyball), individualized arts and crafts programs, and access to musical instruments.

Commissary

Inmates may spend up to $360 per month on commissary items including food, beverages, toiletries, and personal care products. Each inmate shops once per week on a designated day.

Notable Inmates of USP Atlanta

Over its 120+ year history, USP Atlanta has housed some of the most well-known figures in American criminal history:

• Al Capone — The leader of the Chicago Outfit was convicted of tax evasion in 1931 and held at USP Atlanta before being transferred to Alcatraz in 1934.
• Carlo Ponzi — The inventor of the “Ponzi scheme” served three years at USP Atlanta after his 1920 conviction for mail fraud.
• Eugene V. Debs — The labor leader and five-time presidential candidate was imprisoned for sedition during World War I. He received over 900,000 votes in the 1920 presidential election while incarcerated at USP Atlanta.
• Marcus Garvey — The founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association served four years at USP Atlanta for mail fraud related to the Black Star Line shipping company.
• Whitey Bulger — The notorious Boston crime boss served time at USP Atlanta for bank robbery before being transferred to Alcatraz in 1959.
• Mickey Cohen — The Los Angeles gangster was transferred from Alcatraz to USP Atlanta in 1963, where he was critically assaulted by another inmate.

In 2011, News One named USP Atlanta one of the ten most notorious prisons in the United States.

Driving Directions to USP Atlanta

FCI Atlanta is located in the Thomasville Heights / southeast Atlanta area, near the intersection of Boulevard SE and McDonough Boulevard SE.

From I-20 (East or West)

1. Exit at Boulevard SE
2. Head south on Boulevard SE approximately 2 miles
3. Turn onto McDonough Blvd SE
4. The facility entrance will be on your left

From I-285

1. Exit onto Moreland Avenue heading north
2. Turn left onto McDonough Blvd SE
3. Continue to the facility entrance

Visitor parking is available in designated lots near the main entrance. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is approximately 15 minutes away by car. Public transportation via MARTA rapid rail and bus service is also available.

Federal Court Jurisdiction

FCI Atlanta falls within the Northern District of Georgia. Federal criminal cases involving inmates at this facility are typically heard at:

Richard B. Russell Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse
75 Ted Turner Dr SW
Atlanta, GA 30303

If you or a loved one is facing federal charges or needs legal representation related to FCI Atlanta, it is important to work with an attorney experienced in federal criminal defense within this judicial district.

Frequently Asked Questions About USP Atlanta

What security level is USP Atlanta?

USP Atlanta has been redesignated as FCI Atlanta and now operates as a low-security federal correctional institution. The complex also includes a minimum-security satellite camp and an administrative-security detention center for pre-trial inmates.

What are the visiting hours at USP Atlanta?

Visitation at the main facility and detention center is available Friday through Sunday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The satellite camp offers visits on Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Visiting is also permitted on federal holidays. Visitor processing ends at 2:00 PM.

How do I get on the approved visitor list at USP Atlanta?

The inmate must request to add you to their approved visiting list by providing your full name, address, and relationship. The BOP will conduct a background check. Once approved, the inmate will notify you. Do not attempt to visit until you have confirmed your approval. Changes to the visitor list can be made every 90 days.

What is the address for sending mail to an inmate at USP Atlanta?

Mail should be sent to: Inmate Name & Register Number, FCI Atlanta, Federal Correctional Institution, P.O. Box 150160, Atlanta, GA 30315. Do not send money to this address — funds must be sent to the BOP processing center in Des Moines, Iowa.

What is the phone number for USP Atlanta?

The main phone number for FCI Atlanta (formerly USP Atlanta) is 404-635-5100. You can also reach the facility by email at ATL-ExecAssistant-S@bop.gov.

How many inmates are at USP Atlanta?

FCI Atlanta currently houses approximately 1,760 inmates across all units, including the main FCI, the satellite camp, and the detention center. The population fluctuates as inmates are transferred in and out of the facility.

What notable inmates were held at USP Atlanta?

USP Atlanta has housed numerous high-profile inmates including Al Capone, Carlo Ponzi, Eugene V. Debs, Marcus Garvey, Whitey Bulger, and Mickey Cohen. In 2011, it was named one of the ten most notorious prisons in the United States.