This Prison In Wyoming Has A Dark And Evil History That Will Never Be Forgotten
By Caryl|Published July 04, 2016
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Caryl
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I am a freelance writer who also has been a small business owner and worked in the fields of insurance, accounting, and education. I enjoy spending time with family, reading, writing, photography, music, running, sports, and of course traveling!
When it comes to the Old West, there will always be something dark and evil lurking in its past. This is one of those places where, the minute you step in the door, you feel that sense of uneasiness and evil intent. Not only do you feel it while you are there, but from the minute you step out of the door to leave, it clings to you. You can try to shake it off but it tends to take up residence in the deep crevices of your mind.
This building may appear to be perfectly harmless on the outside but just wait until you see the interior. The Wyoming Frontier Prison is located at 500 West Walnut in historic Rawlins. This prison is known as Wyoming's first state penitentiary.
The prison first opened in December of 1901 and contained 104 cells which were referred to as Block A. There was no electricity, running water, or proper heating.
During the prison's dark history, 13,500 people were incarcerated including 11 women. Overcrowding was always an issue so several additions were added and referred to as Cell Block B and Cell Block C. Cell Block B included solitary confinement cells, a better heating system and hot running water. Cell Block C was considered maximum security and was used for the more dangerous criminals.
Several methods were used to discipline unruly inmates. These included a dungeon, solitary confinement and a punishment pole. Men were handcuffed to the punishment pole and whipped with rubber hoses. Pictured is solitary confinement and the door leading into the dungeon.
There were two execution methods; hanging and the gas chamber. Earlier executions used a hanging method known as the "traveling Julien Gallows." Pictured is the hanging room. The square is where the drop floor used to be.
In 1936, the gas chamber replaced hangings. The gas chamber used hydrocyanic acid gas. Pictured are the death row cells, shower, toilet, gas chamber and picture of a death row inmate.
The penitentiary closed in 1981 and was not used again until 1987. In 1987, the penitentiary was used as the location to film the movie 'Prison'. In 1988, it was renamed the Wyoming Frontier Prison and became a museum. The prison is listed on The National Registry of Historic Places.
The Wyoming Frontier Prison was a very violent and oppressive prison. People who visit here today feel the presence of unseen apparitions and have felt anxiety and a sense of pressure on their chest. Have you visited this prison? If so, have you felt or seen anything?
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