IF you ever visit Yuma, Arizona, and IF you are interested in seeing some of the Sights of Yuma, then right up at the top of your list should be a visit to the Yuma Territiorial Prison State Park.
I will begin by providing you with three links that will give you perhaps all you need to know about the Prison.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuma_Territorial_Prison
https://azstateparks.com/yuma-territorial/https://azstateparks.com/yuma-territorial/about-the-prison/park-history
Now go back in time with me to a Western Movie (circa 1957) starring Glenn Ford that I really enjoyed : 3:10 To Yuma.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3:10_to_Yuma_(1957_film)
So, having enjoyed the above movie, when I worked in Yuma (November 1963 to February 1964) one of the first things that I did was to take my family out to the Territiorial Prison.
This brings me to the present when Patti and I visited the Territorial Prison (in 2017 and again this April of 2021).
So here we go ..
YUMA ARIZONA TERRITORIAL PRISON STATE PARK
In the above (to the left) and below (to the right) photos, in the distance, you can see The Guard Tower that visitors can go up into to get an overview of the prison grounds.
I am calling The Guard Tower to your attention because it is a very prominent structure here at the Territorial Prison.
Below are some distant views of it.
Here it is, up close and personal.
Whoa! We are now up in The Guard Tower.
Now we will look out at the grounds.
In the above and below photos you are looking at the Prison Museum, another prominent and important building.
We are back down from The Guard Tower and you can see some items of interest as one enters the grounds.
Now we will go into The Visitor Center and gift shop that you must enter to gain access to the prison grounds. Admission to the prison is $8.00 for adults.
Here are some views of the grounds adjacent to The Visitor Center.
After you pass through the above Main Gate, you walk directly to the Prison Museum.
We are now inside of the Museum.
To use one of 'Zilla's favorite terms, below is a nifty model of the prison.
We also enjoyed the movie in the Museum.
The time has come the Walrus said.. to visit The Cells.
The Cells come immediately after you exit the Museum.
IF you look really closely at the center left side of the above photo, you can see the Dark Cells for inmates who broke prison regulations.
The significance of the Prison Bell totally escaped me!
Immediately outside of the prison is the Prison Cemetery.
And ?
There you have it !
Our visit to the YUMA ARIZONA TERRITORIAL PRISON STATE PARK.
Smiles and Hugs from me and Patti.
