Museum of Colorado Prisons

 
   

The Territorial Prison in Cañon City received its first inmate on June 13, 1871.   In April, 1874, the prison was officially transferred to the Territory of Colorado by the U.S. Government and became known as the Colorado State Penitentiary.

Cañon City, in southern Colorado, is the home of the Museum of Colorado Prisons, a showcase of the atmosphere and exhibits of days, staff and inmates gone by. 

 

A visit to the the Royal Gorge Region isn't complete without stopping and "doing" time in this historical cell house that was the original Women's Correctional Facility constructed in 1935. 
 
The remodeled facility now welcomes visitors to explore the history of Colorado Corrections. Individual MP3 and CD audio tours guide visitors through 32 cells filled with exciting exhibits and life sized models that link the past to the present in dramatic presentation.  Other artifacts and exhibits include:

Prison personnel pose in 1876. Each uniform hat was labeled with the guard's title. The hats above read, TURNKEY, OVERSEER, CELL HOUSE, and CAPTAIN.  The Warden stands second from left in the derby hat.

bulletThe hangman's noose used for the last execution by hanging in Colorado
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Confiscated inmate weapons and contraband

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The gas chamber

bulletRare, historic photographs depicting life in prison facilities
bulletDisplays of disciplinary paraphernalia used from 1871 to the present
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Federal Bureau of Prisons display

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Inmate Arts and Crafts

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Gift Shop Check out the new t-shirt designs

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And much more!

 

Proud Member of the Community Heritage Group of Cañon City.

Community Heritage Passes available at these attractions:

Dinosaur Depot

Fremont Center for the Arts

The Local History Center

 

Only by preserving and studying the past, can we avoid repeating mistakes that were made. Through education, we gain awareness of present and future problems involving populations of our prisons.

 

The Museum's mission is to be a regional resource center that preserves and presents the history and evolution of the Colorado prison system.  We need your support.  Click here for Membership Information.

Click here to inquire about volunteer positions.

 

 

201 North 1st Street

719 269-3015

719 269-9148 fax

CaÑon City, Colorado 81212

 

 

 

Haunted Prison Museum
Last two weekends in October 2007
Thursdays: 7 pm to 9 pm
Fridays and Saturdays: 7 pm to 11 pm
Fees:  Adults $8       Children 6-12 $5

 

© 2005-2008 Museum of Colorado Prisons, all rights reserved.  All images protected by copyright.

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