When we visit new spots it is always fun to check out local museums & tours, so on our recent trip out to California we stopped in Yuma, Arizona on the way back to grab some lunch and stretch our legs while checking out the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. You'll go on a self guided tour of part of the original Yuma State Prison which opened in 1876 & closed in 1909. One of the nice things about the parking lot is if you are stopping by on a road trip there is plenty of regular parking spots along with RV parking. They are located at 220 N. Prison Hill Road Yuma, AZ 85364. While you are there you will be next to a park where you can walk down to the Colorado river & dip your toes in, there is also a cool bridge and if you get lucky you will see a train going by.
On your self-guided tour you'll find pieces of the prison history like actual clothing and more that were kept after the prison closed down. You will learn quite a bit of history not only on the prison itself, but many of the prisoners as well. They actually have a banner that shows you what crimes people were arrested for & how many people were there for that crime.
It was actually pretty insane to see how prisoners lived in this prison, most of the cells looked like a cave and some cells like the dark cell, literally were caves with a door. Not only were the spaces already small & cramped but they had two bunk beds which each had three people sleeping on them, which means six people were stuffed into a small room. A lot of people called this prison a "Hell Hole" and I can see why, it gets so hot in Arizona and being in a cramped room with no A/C I can only imagine how hot it felt to those living in the prison.
The Dark cell was also insane to see, once you reach the end of the hallway to where the dark cell is the light get dimmer and dimmer. Not going to lie, the room did feel quite ominous and a little creepy especially if you were to fully go inside and stand in the dark area. In some of the cells they have mannequins set up to show what it would have looked like with the prisoners in the cells along side their bunkbeds and nothing else. The women definitely had it much easier than the men and were allowed clothing changes more often along with other finer amenities.
On display on the inside museum, you'll also find pieces of artwork the prisoners made while in prison such as hair pieces made by female inmates and small trinkets made from steel & more. Don't miss the gorgeous views from the top of the hill where the prison is located, you'll get to see quite a bit of Yuma long with beautiful views of the Colorado River. Being up in the look out tower also offers you a chance to spot some great picnic areas if you are looking to set up a picnic instead of finding a spot in town to eat.
🌵 If you live in Arizona check out the "Things to do in Arizona" section of my blog to find entertainment, restaurants, vacation spots & more. (Click on the name or locate it on the right-hand side of my page).
★ This is not a sponsored post, we paid for this on our own. I enjoy sharing new places we explore with my followers.
1 comment:
This is so interesting! I would love to visit if I were ever passing through.
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