The wild history of Wyoming is rife with stories of outlaws like Butch Cassidy and Jesse James. Our fractious frontier history tells of outlaw hideouts, larceny, bank robberies and more! Some of Wyoming’s most notorious criminals did time at the dangerous Wyoming Territorial Prison before it was shuttered in 1901.
Wyoming Territorial Prison was one of the most infamous penitentiaries of its time and it held hundreds of dangerous outlaws.
Flickr / Allan Henderson The Auburn System of prison management was one of the strictest. Inmates at Wyoming Territorial were sentenced to hard labor, required to be silent at all times, and they had their names replaced with numbers, to remove their identities. Butch Cassidy was just one of several notorious inmates that did time at the Laramie penitentiary. Read more about the outlaw inmates here
The prison was built in 1872 and held notorious inmates until the early 1900s.
Facebook / Wyoming Territorial Prison Historic Site The site was just under 2 acres and it had a terrible reputation from the beginning. In its early years, jailbreaks were common, and there was a large fire within a year of opening. In 1901, it was shuttered and turned over to the University of Wyoming. Eventually, it was opened to the public for tours.
The history behind this prison is fascinating. Here, you can see some of the pardons issued for inmates… note the “seal” scribbled at the bottom.
Facebook / Wyoming Territorial Prison Historic Site
Today, you can visit this historic site and get an unforgettable, first-hand look at the life of outlaw inmates.
Facebook / Wyoming Territorial Prison Historic Site
When you arrive, you’ll be labeled as one of the prison’s historic inmates and take your self-guided tour.
Facebook / Wyoming Territorial Prison Historic Site Guided tours are also offered from Thursday through Monday. Whether you explore on your own or with a guide, you’ll see all parts of this incredible historic site.
Visit the restored Warden’s house to learn about those who were in charge of this rowdy fortress.
Facebook / Wyoming Territorial Prison Historic Site
Inside the prison itself, you can see the mess hall where inmates ate their simple, bland meals.
Flickr / Steve
The old school house on the grounds helped educate inmates who were looking to learn.
Flickr / Alan Levine
When you visit, you’ll be able to see the life of a Wyoming Territorial inmate up close. Actors play the part of their assigned inmate in such a convincing way!
Facebook / Wyoming Territorial Prison Historic Site
Wyoming Territorial Prison is open to guests daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Facebook / Wyoming Territorial Prison Historic Site Admission is just $5 for adults and $2.50 for children aged 11-17. Kids under 11 years old are admitted free of charge.
Wyoming Territorial Prison is located at 975 Snowy Range Rd., Laramie, WY 82070. It’s one of the most fascinating historic sites in the entire state, and you’ve got to visit at least once!
Flickr / Allan Henderson
The Auburn System of prison management was one of the strictest. Inmates at Wyoming Territorial were sentenced to hard labor, required to be silent at all times, and they had their names replaced with numbers, to remove their identities. Butch Cassidy was just one of several notorious inmates that did time at the Laramie penitentiary. Read more about the outlaw inmates here
Facebook / Wyoming Territorial Prison Historic Site
The site was just under 2 acres and it had a terrible reputation from the beginning. In its early years, jailbreaks were common, and there was a large fire within a year of opening. In 1901, it was shuttered and turned over to the University of Wyoming. Eventually, it was opened to the public for tours.
Guided tours are also offered from Thursday through Monday. Whether you explore on your own or with a guide, you’ll see all parts of this incredible historic site.
Flickr / Steve
Flickr / Alan Levine
Admission is just $5 for adults and $2.50 for children aged 11-17. Kids under 11 years old are admitted free of charge.
To learn more about the thrilling history of the Cowboy State, read about These 10 Hidden Gems In Wyoming That Hold Historic Keys To The Past and plan to get in touch with your Wyoming roots this year.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
