This
is the first sobering sign we saw as we entered the Yuma
Territorial Prison The gravesites are visible on the right side of the
photo. 
We
parked the car and went to pay our entrance fee. I don't keep track of
things like this the way I should. I believe we each paid $4.00. We
entered the compound and our first visit was to the museum. Very
interesting. We didn't take photos inside the museum, but there is lots to
look at. Weapons and various other products that the prisoners made.
If they wanted something, they had to make it. There is some real
beautiful works of art, made from cactus needles and other unusual art
materials. There were also numerous handguns and other weapons.
Amazing to see. After we looked around the museum we went into the prison
yard. 
This is one place I would not like to be confined in. It would be very hot
in the summer, with the only shade coming from the buildings and very cold in
the winter with the wrought iron doors. The walls are very thick, but the
doors, accept for the "Black Cell" would not keep the cold or heat out
or in. The only ventilation for the cells are through the wrought iron
doors. Here are some more photos and this is a real good article on
the Yuma Territorial
Prison
bridge
between Arizona and California, over the Colorado River
Plaque
for seeing the prison from across the river.
A
bit of humor
The
guard tower
through
the entrance. If the walls were all this thick, it would take for ever to
dig through them.
this
is one harsh enviroment.
prison
wagon
the
dreaded dark cell
inside
the dark cell, it is pitch black and small. Once the door closed there
would be no ventilation accept for the whole in the ceiling.
this
is the section the dark cell is in. You can see the entrance in the centre
another
cell block
the
entrance to the cell block
climbing
up to the guard tower
view
from the guard tower
the
entrance to Yuma Territorial Prison from the guard tower.
We enjoyed our visit, but would not have enjoyed being an inmate. Life
was very harsh at this period of history and this place made it even more
difficult. The displays in the Museum showed that they did survive and
flourish is this very difficult enviroment.
If you have time when in Yuma, this is a half day well spent.
