Yuma Territorial Prison

On Monday Bob and I visited the Yuma Territorial Prison, a place that has been immortalised in the film 3:10 to Yuma, and mentioned in many novels about the West.

The prison was in use from 1876-1909, and features a reonstructed guard tower that hovers over the entrance. The tower offers a sweeping view of the Colorado River and the surrounding area.

From here we moved through the Sally Port, an original adobe structure through which prisoners entered and exited the prison.

We met up with our guide, Dave, who was very knowledgeable about the prison and told us stories of ghosts and details of many of the inmates. 

Men and women were incarcerated here, during the 33 years the prison was active. And for many reasons.

Twenty nine women were also imprisoned here across the years. The list of women, their crimes, and time served was very interesting. (Click on the picture to enlarge.)

Two of the most famous female inmates were Elena Estrada and Pearl Hart.

The cells were small and unpleasant, each holding 6 inmates, 6 metal bunks, and a chamber pot on the floor.

The prisoners worked outside all day building and farming, but were encouraged to pursue their own crafts in the evenings. Some wove beautiful hat bands and fobs out of horsehair.

And some knitted.

One place you didn't want to spend any time in was called the Dark Cell. This chamber was dug out of the hill next to the prison and it was almost totally dark inside. During the time that the prison was active it held a large metal cage in which were put inmates who had broken the rules. No toilet was provided. The individuals were stripped down to their underwear, given bread and water once a day, and left in the dark.  The only light came from a small hole in the ceiling through which rattlesnakes occasionally fell. <shiver>

After the prison closed it became the Yuma Union High School for a time; the school's nickname was The Criminals, shortened to the "Crims."