The Wyoming State Penitentiary (WSP) is a historic site that played a significant role in the state’s history. The original Wyoming Frontier Prison was opened in 1901 and operated until 1981. It is now open for tours and is operated by the Friends of the Old Pen, Inc. In 1980, the “new” Wyoming State Penitentiary was opened with the first inmates placed in “C” Block. The original housing capacity was 550 inmates.
The penitentiary complex is historically and architecturally important on both a local and regional level. The placement of the State Penitentiary in Rawlins reflected the political and economic realities of nineteenth-century Wyoming, and its construction and design were influenced by the prevailing attitudes towards incarceration and punishment at the time. The Wyoming State Penitentiary is one of Wyoming’s most significant historic sites, and its history provides a unique perspective on the state’s past.
Today, the Wyoming State Penitentiary houses more than 600 inmates and is responsible for the statewide supervision of adult probation and parole. The department also contracts with three adult community corrections centers in Casper, Cheyenne, and Gillette. The Wyoming State Penitentiary and the Youthful Offender Treatment Program in Rawlins are the two major correctional facilities operated by the Wyoming Department of Corrections.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 826 |
| Physical Address | 2900 S. Higley Road Rawlins, WY 82301 |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 400 Rawlins, WY 82301 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 307-328-1442 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History of Wyoming State Penitentiary
The Wyoming State Penitentiary, located in Rawlins, has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. The penitentiary complex is historically and architecturally important on both a local and regional level. The placement of the State Penitentiary in Rawlins reflected the political and economic realities of nineteenth-century Wyoming, and its construction and operation have played a significant role in the state’s history.
The original Wyoming State Penitentiary, also known as the Wyoming Frontier Prison, was opened in 1901 and operated until 1981. The prison was built in response to the need for a secure facility to hold the state’s most dangerous criminals. Over the years, the prison housed notorious outlaws such as Butch Cassidy’s Wild Bunch and the infamous murderer, Tom Horn.
In 1980, the “new” Wyoming State Penitentiary was opened with the first inmates placed in “C” Block. The new facility was designed to be more modern and efficient than its predecessor. Today, the Wyoming State Penitentiary is one of Wyoming’s most significant historic sites.
Before the Wyoming State Penitentiary, there was the Wyoming Territorial Prison, which opened as a U.S. Penitentiary in 1872 and later became Wyoming’s first State Penitentiary. For 30 years, it held violent and desperate outlaws. Now a museum, visitors walk through the building to discover the stories held behind the prison walls.
Walter E. Ware, a renowned architect, designed both the Wyoming Territorial Prison and the Wyoming State Penitentiary. His designs were influenced by the prevailing architectural styles of the time, and both buildings are excellent examples of their respective periods.
In conclusion, the Wyoming State Penitentiary has a fascinating history that spans over a century. The prison has played a significant role in the state’s history and has housed some of Wyoming’s most notorious criminals. Today, the Wyoming State Penitentiary stands as a testament to the state’s past and serves as a reminder of the importance of justice and the rule of law.
Locations and Surroundings
The Wyoming State Penitentiary is located in Rawlins, Wyoming, a small city in Carbon County. Rawlins is situated in the southern part of the state and is the county seat of Carbon County. It is located about 100 miles northwest of Laramie and 130 miles west of Cheyenne.
The Wyoming State Penitentiary is situated on the outskirts of Rawlins and is surrounded by open fields and farmland. The prison complex covers an area of approximately 200 acres and is enclosed by a high-security fence. The prison complex is located near the Rawlins Municipal Airport, which is about 2 miles away.
Rawlins is a small city with a population of around 9,000 people. The city has a few restaurants, shops, and hotels, but it is not a major tourist destination. The city is known for its historic downtown area, which features several buildings that date back to the late 1800s. The Carbon County Museum is also located in Rawlins and features exhibits on the history of the area.
Carbon County is located in the southern part of Wyoming and is known for its rugged terrain and scenic beauty. The county is home to several state parks, including the Seminoe State Park and the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. The county is also known for its mining industry, which has been a major economic driver in the area for many years.
Overall, the Wyoming State Penitentiary is located in a relatively isolated area of Wyoming, surrounded by open fields and farmland. The closest major city is Cheyenne, which is located about 130 miles away.
Departments and Units
The Wyoming State Penitentiary is one of the main units of the Wyoming Department of Corrections (WDOC). The WDOC is responsible for the statewide supervision of adult probation and parole, as well as the operation of six correctional facilities across the state. These facilities include the WSP, Wyoming Medium Correctional Institution (WMCI) in Torrington, Wyoming Women’s Center (WWC) in Lusk, Wyoming Honor Farm (WHF) in Riverton, Wyoming Honor Conservation Camp (WHCC) in Newcastle, and the Youthful Offender Treatment Program (YOTP) in Rawlins.
The WSP is the largest correctional facility in Wyoming and houses over 600 inmates. It is a maximum-security prison that provides custody, care, and treatment for male inmates who have been convicted of serious crimes. The WSP offers a variety of programs and services to inmates, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
The WMCI is a medium-security prison that is home to over 750 male inmates. It offers a range of programs and services to inmates, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The WMCI also provides a variety of work programs to inmates, including agriculture, industry, and maintenance.
The WWC is a medium-security facility that houses over 200 female inmates. It offers a range of programs and services to inmates, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The WWC also provides a range of work programs to prisoners, including agriculture, industry, and maintenance.
The WHF is a minimum-security prison that contains over 200 male inmates. It offers an array of programs and services to inmates, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The WHF also provides a variety of work programs to inmates, including agriculture, industry, and maintenance.
The WHCC is a minimum-security prison that houses over 100 male inmates. It offers a variety of programs and services to inmates, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The WHCC also provides a range of work programs to inmates, including forestry and fire suppression.
The YOTP is a residential treatment program for male inmates ages 18-24 who have been convicted of serious crimes. It offers a range of programs and services to inmates, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The YOTP also provides an array of work programs to inmates, including agriculture, industry, and maintenance.
Inmate Life
Life inside the Wyoming State Penitentiary can be challenging for inmates. The prison has a maximum-security unit, which houses some of the most dangerous criminals in the state. Inmates are classified based on their criminal history, behavior, and other factors. They are placed in different housing units depending on their classification.
Inmates in the Wyoming State Penitentiary have access to a range of programs and services, including education, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment. The prison also offers religious services, counseling, and mental health services. Inmates are encouraged to participate in these programs to help them prepare for life outside of prison.
Visitation is an important part of inmate life in the Wyoming State Penitentiary. Family and friends can visit inmates on designated visitation days. Visitors must follow strict rules and regulations, including dress codes and behavior guidelines. Inmates are allowed a limited number of visits per month, and visits may be canceled for disciplinary reasons.
The Wyoming State Penitentiary also has a Boot Camp program for eligible inmates. The program is designed to provide inmates with a structured environment and intensive physical and mental training. Inmates who successfully complete the program may be eligible for early release.
Inmates in the Wyoming State Penitentiary are allowed to possess certain items, such as personal hygiene products and clothing. However, they are not allowed to possess weapons, drugs, or other contraband. Inmates are subject to regular searches, and any contraband found will result in disciplinary action.
Overall, life inside the Wyoming State Penitentiary can be challenging, but inmates have access to a range of programs and services to help them prepare for life outside of prison.
Programs and Services
The Wyoming State Penitentiary offers a range of programs and services to its inmates to help them with their rehabilitation and re-entry into society. These programs aim to provide inmates with education, job skills, and counseling to help them lead productive lives once they are released from prison.
One of the programs offered is the General Education Development (GED) program. This program allows inmates to earn their high school equivalency diploma and improve their chances of finding employment upon release. In addition to the GED program, the prison offers various educational programs, including vocational training, apprenticeships, and college courses. These programs help inmates develop job skills and increase their chances of finding employment upon release.
The prison also offers various rehabilitation programs, including substance abuse treatment, anger management, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. These programs help inmates address the issues that led to their incarceration and develop the skills they need to avoid future criminal behavior.
Career counseling is also available to inmates to help them identify their strengths and interests and develop a plan for their future. This counseling includes assistance with job searches, resume writing, and interview skills.
Overall, the programs and services offered by the Wyoming State Penitentiary aim to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society and lead productive lives.