in 1835, the first louisiana state penitentiary was built at the corner of 6th and laurel streets in baton rouge. in 1844, the penitentiary, including the prisoners, was leased to the private firm of mchatton pratt and company. union troops occupied the penitentiary during the civil war, and in 1869, the lease was awarded to a former confederate major by the name of samuel james. major james oversaw the louisiana corrections system for the next 31 years.