Day 2: From Church to Prison in Yuma

My Yuma guides and great friends Mary Sue Kuban Crye and Ronda Wood.

After church and a delicious lunch at Texas Roadhouse, we went to the Yuma Territorial Prison.

On July 1876, the first seven inmates entered the prison and were locked into cells they had to build themselves. A total of 3,069 prisoners, including 39 women and numerous children, lived within the walls during the prison's 33 years of operation. Punishments for prisoners who broke regulations included the 'ball and chain," the dark cell, and the hot cell which was an open, stand-alone cell without walls or a ceiling in which the prisoner stood in the sun and heat of Yuma.

Main Gate

Cell through spider web covered gate.

Cells housed 6 people.

The "Dark Cell" was pitch black except for faint light coming through gate.

Guard's watchtower.

Cell with beds lining sides.

Prisoners who remain in spirit today.








http://azstateparks.com/Parks/YUTE/