Yuma Territorial Prison Park

Visit a historic prison dating back to the late 1800s.

The Yuma Territorial Prison accepted its first inmates on July 1, 1876, and continued to operate for 33 years. In that time, the structures held 3,069 people, including 29 women. All of the prisoners had to help with construction projects while they were incarcerated. The thick adobe walls were constructed to keep the cells cool, and visitors can still walk through the original cellblock, including the "dark cell" or the "black box" where inmates were sent while being punished.

The last prisoners left the Territorial Prison in 1909 to get transferred to the Arizona State Prison Complex in Florence, Arizona. From 1910 to 1914, these buildings were used for Yuma Union High School classes. The Yuma Territorial Prison Park is full of local history with interesting stories and photos. Open for public tours since January 1, 1961; this place is perfect for visitors that enjoy seeing historical buildings. Park hours are 9 am to 5 pm and admission rates are $8 for adults, $4 for youth, and free for children up to six years old.