On July 1, 1876, the first seven inmates entered the Territorial Prison at Yuma, and were locked into the new cells they had built themselves until 1909. A total of 3,069 prisoners, including 29 women, lived within the walls during the prison's thirty-three years of operation. Their crimes ranged from murder to polygamy, with grand larceny being the most common.Despite an infamous reputation, written evidence indicates that the prison was humanely administered, and was a model institution for its time. The only punishments were the dark cells for inmates who broke prison regulations, and the ball and chain for those who tried to escape. By 1907, the prison was severely overcrowded, and there was no room on Prison Hill for expansion. The convicts constructed a new facility in Florence, Arizona.The last prisoner left Yuma on September 15, 1909.The cells, main gate and guard tower are all that is left, but these provide a glimpse of convict life a century ago.Annual Special Events
Gathering of the Gunfighters - Second weekend in January
Fund Raising Dinner - February
Yuma Crossing Day - Last Saturday in February
Hard Ride to Yuma Prison - Mid April
Haunted Tours - Last Saturday in October
Evening Encounter - First Saturday in December
Old West Reenactments - Every Sunday, October through April
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| | | Facilities: Picnic area, museum, gift shop, video room, restrooms, water, and vending machines are provided at Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. Reservations: Non-commercial and commercial reservations are available for special events at Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. Reserved not more than 6 months in advance; reservation fee paid immediately; fees paid two weeks in advance of special event. Please contact park personnel for fee information. Best Time To Visit: Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is open daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed at 2:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve. Closed on Christmas Day. Fees: Entrance fees apply. Accessibility: Restrooms are accessible. Rules: There are no pets, fires, camping or overnight stays allowed in the park. Damaging or removing the artifacts, natural rocks, vegetation or public property is prohibited. Directions: To get to Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park Take I-8 to Yuma, take Exit 1 to Giss Parkway, turn at Prison Hill Road. | | |
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| | | | | Address | | 1 Prison Hill Road | | Yuma, Arizona 85364 |
| | | Phone | | General: (928) 783-4771 | |
| | | | | Website | | Email |
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