They say everything is bigger in Texas — and that includes prisons too. Across the United States, there are many large correctional facilities, but the biggest one in Texas stands out for both its size and intimidating reputation. Let’s take a closer look at the H.H. Coffield Unit, Texas’ largest prison.
Where Is the H.H. Coffield Unit Located?
The H.H. Coffield Unit is a men’s prison located in Anderson County, in a small community called Tennessee Colony, Texas.
It sits right off FM Road 2054, about an hour away from Tyler and around 2.5 hours from Houston.
This massive facility opened in June 1965, according to Wikipedia, and today, it is part of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) system.
How Big Is the Coffield Unit?
The Coffield Unit covers a stunning 20,518 acres of land!
It is located alongside several other prison units, including Beto, Gurney, Michael, and Powledge units.
In terms of capacity, the Coffield Unit can house close to 4,200 inmates.
It has different levels of security, ranging from medium security to maximum security — meaning it holds inmates who need closer supervision and tighter controls.
Who Works at the Coffield Unit?
Running such a huge facility requires a lot of people.
Based on 2021 data, several hundred people work at the Coffield Unit, including:
- Correctional officers
- Support staff
- Administrative personnel
There is even employee housing available on-site for staff members who live and work inside the prison grounds.
The current Senior Warden of the Coffield Unit is Juan Garcia, as listed on the TDCJ website.
Special Programs and Activities at the Coffield Unit
Even inside a prison, life includes more than just confinement.
A branch of Gateway Church, which is based in Dallas, opened on the prison site in 2019. It offers spiritual guidance and religious services to inmates who wish to participate.
The Coffield Unit is also heavily involved in agricultural work. According to the TDCJ, the prison manages several agricultural operations, including:
- Feed Mill and Grain Storage
- Farm Equipment Shop
- Cow/Calf Farming Operations
- Poultry Laying Facility
- Swine Operations (raising pigs)
- Pork Processing Plant
- Security Horse Training
- Security Dog Training (Pack Canines)
- Growing Edible and Field Crops
- Maintaining a Unit Garden for fresh produce
These programs serve two main purposes:
They help maintain the prison’s food supply and also teach inmates useful job skills they can use after their release.
Final Thoughts on Texas’ Largest Correctional Facility
The H.H. Coffield Unit is not just Texas’ largest prison — it is almost like a small city of its own. With thousands of inmates, hundreds of staff, and large agricultural operations, it plays a major role in the Texas prison system.
While it is mainly known for its tough security and size, the facility also focuses on offering work opportunities and religious services to help inmates change their lives.
If you want to learn more about the Coffield Unit, including its location, contact numbers, or visitor information, you can visit the official TDCJ website for complete details.