FPC Alderson
Federal Prison Camp, Alderson (FPC Alderson) is a minimum-security United States federal prison for female inmates located in Alderson, West Virginia. It is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, a division of the United States Department of Justice. Opened in 1927, FPC Alderson is the oldest federal women's prison in the United States and is sometimes referred to as "Camp Cupcake" in the media.
Overview
FPC Alderson is a minimum-security federal prison camp housing female offenders. As a minimum-security facility, it is the least restrictive type of federal prison, housing inmates considered to be low-risk and non-violent. The camp has limited perimeter fencing, and inmates are able to move relatively freely within the facility.
The facility is located on approximately 95 acres in rural West Virginia and consists of 26 cottages along with administrative buildings. Inmates are housed in dormitory-style living arrangements.
Notable Inmates
FPC Alderson has housed several high-profile inmates throughout its history:
- Martha Stewart - Media mogul and businesswoman, served 5 months (October 2004 - March 2005) for obstruction of justice and lying to federal investigators related to an insider trading investigation. Her high-profile incarceration led to the facility being nicknamed "Camp Cupcake."
- Billie Holiday - Legendary jazz singer, served time in the late 1940s on drug charges.
- Tokyo Rose (Iva Toguri D'Aquino) - World War II radio broadcaster, served 6 years for treason (later pardoned by President Ford).
- Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme - Manson Family member, served time for the attempted assassination of President Ford.
- Sara Jane Moore - Attempted to assassinate President Ford, served time at Alderson.
Notes from Alumni
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Location & Visitation
Location
Physical location: ALDERSON, WV 24910
Mailing address: GLEN RAY RD., ALDERSON, WV 24910
Visitation
There are many specific rules and procedures to be aware of when you're considering visiting the institution. Read more on our Visitation Guide.
For full, current visiting rules and scheduling, always check the institution's official page on the Bureau of Prisons website: Official BOP Page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does FPC Alderson allow conjugal visits?
No. FPC Alderson does not allow conjugal visits. The Federal Bureau of Prisons does not permit conjugal visits at any facility regardless of security level. This includes all minimum-security federal prison camps, low-security FCIs, medium-security facilities, and high-security USPs. Only four state prison systems (California, Connecticut, New York, and Washington) allow conjugal visits for state prisoners. Federal inmates have no access to conjugal or extended family visits anywhere in the BOP system.
Q: What types of visitation are allowed at FPC Alderson?
FPC Alderson allows contact visits during designated visiting hours, typically on weekends and holidays. Contact visits permit brief embraces at the start and end of visits, but prolonged physical contact is not allowed. All visits occur in supervised visiting rooms. Visitors must be pre-approved through a background check process and must follow dress code requirements. For full details, see the Visiting Policies and Procedures page.
See also
- Index of Federal Prison Facilities
- FPC Bryan - Another women's minimum-security federal prison camp
- Bureau of Prisons Classification Methods
- Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP)