In today's world, Yuma Territorial Prison has acquired great relevance in various aspects of daily life. Whether in the work, social, cultural or technological field, Yuma Territorial Prison has become a topic of interest for many people. Its impact has been so significant that it has generated numerous debates and conflicting opinions in society. In this article, we will explore different facets of Yuma Territorial Prison and analyze its influence in different contexts. Through a multidisciplinary approach, we will seek to better understand the importance and consequences of Yuma Territorial Prison in the contemporary world.
Opened while Arizona was still a U.S. territory, the prison accepted its first inmate on July 1, 1876. For the next 33 years 3,069 prisoners, including 29 women, served sentences there for crimes ranging from murder to polygamy. The prison was under continuous construction with labor provided by the prisoners. In 1909, the last prisoner left the Territorial Prison for the newly constructed Arizona State Prison Complex located in Florence, Arizona. It was also the third historic park in Arizona. The state historic park also contains a graveyard where 104 of the prisoners are buried.
High school
Yuma Union High School occupied the buildings from 1910 to 1914. When the school's football team played against Phoenix and unexpectedly won, the Phoenix team called the Yuma team "criminals". Yuma High adopted the nickname with pride, sometimes shortened to the "Crims". The school's symbol is the face of a hardened criminal, and the student merchandise shop is called the Cell Block.
"Hell Hole Prison" season 12, episode 8 of the Travel Channel show Ghost Adventures was shot at the prison. focusing its allegedly history of hauntings.
The prison was one of the two featured stories on the 71st episode of the podcast And That's Why We Drink.
Named one of the top haunted destinations in America by USA Today in October 2020.