Have you seen the movie 3:10 to Yuma? They are trying to catch the 3:10 train to this prison. It was an isolated hilltop overlooking the Colorado River and housed over 3000 prisoners in its history 1876 - 1909- - six prisoners to a cell that was 7 x 9'. The Dark Cell if you acted up held up to 14 and had no urinary facilities. They cleaned it out every 3 months whether it needed it or not.
The prisoners built most of the prison and made horsehair braidwork, just like they do in Glendive. I have some pictures to share with Sheriff Craig. Actually they say it was quite ahead of its time with electricity, a library and hospital. Inmates cut a haircut every week. The prison housed 14 poligamist and 29 women over the years for crimes like adultery and larceny.
After it closed, the school used some buildings for classrooms. To this day, the Yuma High School sports team is the Yuma Criminals. Iwonder if they have striped uniforms.
Speaking of uniforms, Levi Stauss Co. supplied the striped fabric for prison uniforms until local folks protested and wanted them to "Buy Arizona". So "buy local" has been going on for years.
A number of movies have been filmed here. Worth the trip.
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