Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site
Built in 1872 to deal with the ruffians in lawless Laramie, the
Wyoming Territorial Prison
(975 Snowy Range Rd., 307/745-6161,
http://wyoparks.state.wy.us
, 8am-7pm daily May-
Oct., $5 adults, $2.50 children 12-17, free for children under 12) was restored in 1989 and
made into a 190-acre state historic site. The prison was in use 1872-1903, during which time
more than 1,000 men and 12 women were imprisoned there. Among the most famous res-
idents was Butch Cassidy. When Wyoming achieved statehood in 1890, work was already
underway on a new state prison in Rawlins. When the Wyoming Frontier Prison opened in
1901, the transition began, and prisoners in the Territorial Prison were slowly replaced by
animals from the University of Wyoming's experimental stock farm, which were housed in
the prison for more than 70 years.
Rounding out the historic site are an entirely re-created frontier town; a number of build-
ings in various stages of restoration, including the broom factory where many of the pris-
oners worked on a variety of different jobs; authentic pioneer cabins; a schoolhouse; and
agricultural buildings where kids can stick their arms into a simulated (and gooey!) cow's
belly.
Still, the prison is the main attraction, and visitors should plan to spend at least 90
minutes touring the facility. A brochure in the gift shop provides a self-guided tour through
furnished cells, the prisoner dining room, guards' quarters, women's quarters, the warden's
office, and a number of other rooms and exhibit galleries. The warden's house on the
grounds can also be toured.
There are several things that make this experience both unique and unforgettable. For
starters, willing visitors are assigned the identity of a former prisoner upon entering and
can find out about their prisoner throughout the facility, something that keeps kids fully in-
volved. The prisoner ID card that can be stamped at the end of the visit makes a fun take-
home souvenir. The museum itself is spotlessly clean and easy to explore. There are also
numerous volunteers throughout the property, dressed as late 19th-century prisoners, who
answer questions and tell fascinating stories. This is just a wonderful place to spend an af-
ternoon.
