Slammer
by Jon Burch Photography
Title
Slammer
Artist
Jon Burch Photography
Medium
Photograph - Digital Photography
Description
The Wyoming Territorial Prison had problems from the outset, with a fire in 1873 and recurrent jailbreaks throughout its existence. Of the 44 prisoners accepted in the first two years of operation, 11 escaped. The information indicated in various displays give the impression that 25% of all prisoners got away sooner or later. Can’t say as I blame them…
By 1877 the prison was overcrowded. As the prison filled its reputation worsened, and it became less used, being considered more appropriate for those with light sentences. During the 1880's the prison was under capacity, with as few as three prisoners at one time. However, in 1889, a second cell block was constructed, expanding capacity to 150 and providing a central kitchen, dining hall, guards' rooms and steam heat. The new heating system maintained a room temperature 20 degrees Fahrenheit above the ambient. At first, this sounds satisfactory until you realize that the outside temperature can drop to -40F during the Wyoming winter.
There were at least five cells for female inmates, and several solitary confinement cells. In 1890 Wyoming became a state and the facility was transferred. However, Wyoming already had already planned a new facility in Rawlins.
The outlaw Butch Cassidy was incarcerated in the Laramie Territorial Prison in 1894-1896. All prisoners were transferred to Rawlins in 1901. The old Laramie prison was closed in 1903 and given to the University of Wyoming.
It is indeed a depressing place to tour. Two inmates and a bucket occupied a 5 by 5 foot room with not much heat and no running water. Go figure…
Some digital effects were applied to the original image after the photograph was made. No electrons were harmed during the transition.
Image copyright 2020 Jon Burch Photography
Uploaded
July 19th, 2020
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