Explore the Yuma Territorial Prison Museum Exhibits
Step inside the Yuma Territorial Prison and experience the exhibits that bring the legend to life. From walking the historic cell block and entering prisoner cells to climbing the guard tower and exploring detailed museum displays, visitors can discover what life was like behind the walls of one of Arizona’s most iconic prisons.
Start your visit in the theater room with a short film that sets the story, then step out and experience the prison for yourself.
Life Behind the Walls
Step through the Sally Port, where over 3,000 "desperadoes" passed, learn the intake process prisoners experienced, walk the cell block and enter the cells they lived in. The prison's theater room provides an engaging starting point to dive into this Wild West history.
Walk through the historic sally port on your way to the museum.
Inmate Stories
From petty theft to adultery to murder, each prisoner has a story to tell, and you will find them all in the museum. With time on their hands, inmates found creative ways to pass the time, learn a new craft, take up an instrument, or plan a big escape!
Exhibit cases are filled with details about prisoners and their crimes.
Prison Punishment
From the threat of the Lowell machine gun staged in the guard tower to the dreaded Dark Cell, see what punishment awaited prisoners who stepped out of line and find out why Martine Ubillos was sent to the gallows.
Some visitors claim they have felt a presence in the Dark Cell.
Smile for Your Mugshot
Upon arriving at the prison, each prisoner sat for their mugshot. Using a unique shoulder mirror, the photographer captured the front and profile of the inmate in one photograph.
TAKE YOUR VERY OWN MUGSHOT!
Guards and Staff
Though called the Hell Hole, the prison was a very progressive correctional facility with superintendents, guards, and doctors working to ensure prisoners were rehabilitated. But, prisoners will be prisoners. Learn about the daring Gates Riot that almost left one superintendent dead and the Tombstone connection of Superintendent John Behan and the O.K. Corral. Tour the guard tower and view the prison as the guards did.
A guard watches inmates
from atop the prison's
massive walls.
Gene Autry (white hat)
filming at the prison.
Only at Yuma
Beyond being the West's most formidable prison, its history takes some colorful turns, from being voted "America's Best Haunted Destination" to inspiring the most unique high school mascot in America and its history with Hollywood and the big screen. The prison's history kept unfolding even after its closure.