Colorado Territorial Prison Museum in Canon City, CO

While the prisons of the United States are a popular topic of discussion, most of the talk centers on current prisons and overcrowding.
But sites such as the Colorado Territorial Prison Museum is usually the subject of conversation among history and prison buffs.

The Territorial Prison was opened in Canon City, Colorado in June 1871, when the first prisoner arrived.  Just three years later the facility was officially made a territory operation known as Colorado State Penitentiary.  (The United States Government turned the reins over to Colorado.)

Now, more than 130 years later, the original site is the Territorial Prison Museum, a popular tourist site in southern Colorado. This museum has quickly become a "showcase" for prisons of the past. Among the displays are the hangman's noose that was employed for the last execution of a Colorado prisoner by hanging;  rare photographs showing prison personnel and prisoners; items confiscated from prisoners (weapons and contraband); disciplinary items used over the past century.  Some of the most interesting items on exhibit are art works and crafts from the minds and hands of prisoners.

Located of U.S. Route 50, on First Street, the prison museum stands close to the former women's prison (1935).  Visitors are greeted by a gas chamber salvaged from a prison.  Audio tours are available to guide visitors through the many exhibits and life-size models.  Visitors may also have their photograph taken while wearing prison stripes and hats (while standing behind fake prison bars).  One exhibit shows Anton Wood, who at age 11, was the youngest person ever convicted of murder in Colorado.  Admission- $7 for adults, $5 for children. (719) 269-3015.