Huntsville Unit
Find messaging, video, and phone options for Huntsville Unit. Compare providers and discover what communication services are available. Free, no account required.
- Facility Type
- State Facility
- Security Level
- Maximum
- Inmate Capacity
- 1,400 approx.
- Established
- 1849
- Operated By
- Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ)
Huntsville Unit Inmate Communication Overview
The Huntsville Unit, known informally as the Walls Unit, is a maximum-security state prison operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and located in the city of Huntsville in Walker County, about 70 miles north of Houston. It is the oldest prison in Texas, with origins dating to 1849, and occupies a prominent place in the city of Huntsville itself, sitting near the downtown area. The facility serves as the administrative hub of the TDCJ system and houses the execution chamber where Texas carries out death sentences. The Walls Unit holds a unique position in Texas corrections history and remains one of the most active and well-known prisons in the state.
Communication at the Huntsville Unit operates through the standard Texas Department of Criminal Justice provider contracts. JPay manages electronic messaging, photo sharing, and money transfers. Families create a JPay account and link the inmate using their TDCJ number to begin sending messages and photos. GTL handles phone calls and video visitation under the TDCJ statewide contract. Setting up a GTL AdvancePay account allows families to receive inmate-initiated calls. Video visits through GTL provide a remote alternative for families who cannot easily travel to Huntsville.
Because the Huntsville Unit sits inside the city of Huntsville rather than at a remote rural location, in-person visits are more logistically practical than at facilities like Angola or Red Onion. Huntsville is roughly 70 miles north of Houston on I-45, making it accessible for many Houston-area families. The city has some visitor services nearby. For families who have a loved one newly assigned to TDCJ, it is worth understanding that TDCJ uses JPay and GTL system-wide across its many units, so accounts created for Huntsville will work if the inmate is transferred to another TDCJ facility.
Facility Information
Contact details and location information for this correctional facility.
Address
815 12th Street, Huntsville, TX 77340
Main Phone
(936) 437-6300
Administrative line — not for inmate calls
Official Website
Visit official siteCommunication Options
Available communication services at Huntsville Unit.
Messaging
Electronic messages to and from the inmate.
Provider: JPay
Full JPay messaging available. Requires TDCJ identification number.
Video Calls
Remote or in-person video visitation.
Provider: GTL
Remote video visits available via GTL. Schedule in advance.
Photo Sharing
Send approved digital or physical photos.
Provider: JPay
Digital photos via JPay, subject to TDCJ content guidelines.
Phone Calls
Inmate-initiated phone calls to approved numbers.
Provider: GTL
Inmate-initiated calls via GTL. Fund AdvancePay account to receive calls.
Money Transfer
Send funds to commissary or phone accounts.
Provider: JPay
Trust account deposits via JPay for commissary purchases.
Communication Providers at Huntsville Unit
These providers operate communication services at this facility. Each may cover different services.
JPay
Electronic messaging, photo sharing, and trust account deposits. Uses TDCJ number.
Learn More About JPayGTL
Phone calls and video visitation under the TDCJ statewide contract.
Learn More About GTLCommunication Rules at Huntsville Unit
- JPay and GTL are separate platforms requiring separate accounts and separate funding.
- Messages submitted via JPay are reviewed by TDCJ staff before delivery.
- TDCJ JPay and GTL accounts transfer system-wide if the inmate is moved to another TDCJ unit.
- Video visits must be scheduled in advance through GTL. Same-day scheduling is not available.
- Senders must be on the approved contact list to communicate.
Related Facilities
Other correctional facilities with communication guides.
Frequently Asked Questions — Huntsville Unit
Common questions from families about communication at this facility.
- How do I send a message to someone at the Huntsville Unit?
- Create a JPay account at jpay.com and add the inmate using their TDCJ identification number. Purchase stamps and compose your message. Messages are reviewed by staff before delivery, typically within 24 to 48 hours.
- How do I set up phone calls from the Huntsville Unit?
- Phone calls from the Huntsville Unit use GTL. Create a GTL account at telmate.com or through the GTL Connect app, set up a prepaid AdvancePay account linked to your phone number, and add funds. The inmate will call you from facility phones.
- If my loved one is transferred to another TDCJ unit, do I need new accounts?
- Generally no. JPay and GTL both serve all TDCJ units statewide under system-wide contracts. Your accounts, contact list, and message history should carry over when an inmate transfers within the TDCJ system. You may need to update the unit name when booking video visits.
- Is the Huntsville Unit easy to reach from Houston?
- Yes. Huntsville is about 70 miles north of Houston on Interstate 45, roughly an hour's drive without traffic. The prison is near downtown Huntsville and there are food and accommodation options in the city. For families in the Houston area, in-person visits are logistically feasible.
- How do I send money to a Huntsville Unit inmate?
- Trust account deposits are made through JPay. Log in, navigate to Send Money, and select the Huntsville Unit. Add funds via debit or credit card. Processing takes one to two business days.
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