Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park – Yuma, Arizona

Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park – Yuma, Arizona

This prison was built by the prisoners themselves in 1876.  3,069 prisoners, including 29 women, lived within the walls of the prison during its 33 year operation.  Some things never change as their crimes are some of those still being convicted today, murder, polygamy, grand larceny (which was the most common).  One hundred 11 persons died while serving their sentences, most from TB. No executions took place at the prison because capital punishment was administered by the county government.

Due to overcrowding the prison was moved to a new facility in Florence which was built by the prisoners.  The last prisoner left Yuma in 1909.

The Yuma Union High School occupied the buildings from 1910 to 1914.  Empty cells provided free lodging for hobos riding the freights in the 20′s and sheltered many homeless families during the Depression.  Townspeople considered the complex a source for free building materials.  This, plus fires, weathering, and railroad construction, destroyed the prison walls and all buildings except the cells, main gate and guard tower, but these provide a glimpse of convict life a century ago.

No pets are allowed.  Damaging or removing the artifacts, natural rocks, vegetation or public property is prohibited.

Hours: Open daily 8 – 5.  Closed at 2 on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve.  Closed Christmas Day.

Location: 1 Prison Hill Rd, Yuma, Arizona 85364

Phone: 928-783-4771

Directions: Take I-8 to Yuma, take exit 1 to Giss Parkway, Turn at Prison Hill Rd.

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