Arizona is chock full of abandoned and haunted places, but this one just might be the most horrific. Yuma Territorial Prison has a gruesome past, and many of its former inmates have decided to stick around long after not only their sentences but also their lives have ended.
Built in 1875 by the prisoners themselves, this notorious penitentiary officially opened a year later.
Google/Bonnie Foyt Starting off with just seven inmates, the jail housed a total of 3,069 criminals throughout its 33 operating years.
Walk through an original cell block that housed prisoners until 1909 and experience what it would’ve felt like to be incarcerated within these harsh, unforgiving walls.
Google/Tina Gonzalez You’ll find that many inmates have yet to finish their sentences, as paranormal activity is commonplace up and down the eerie corridor.
Upon stepping inside one of the dusty, decrepit dungeons, you’ll be immediately overwhelming by a sense of unease.
Google/Michael Boyd Amid the disquiet, however, the soft strum of a guitar can be heard drifting through the air. You see, there was a prison band back in the day at Yuma Territorial, and many of its members still aren’t ready to stop playing.
Guests can even enter the “Dark Cell,” a damp and claustrophobic hole measuring a mere 10x10 feet.
Google/Juan David De Jesus This pit of despair was reserved for the most incorrigible inmates, trapping them in darkness with snakes and scorpions. Most visitors who enter last just minutes before making a hasty departure… are you brave enough to break the record?
Also on the grounds is a cemetery where many of the 112 inmates who died while serving time are buried.
Google/Laura Finney 22 prisoners met a violent demise, their spirits refusing to rest until justice has been served.
Before heading out, climb the guard tower and enjoy a haunting panoramic view of the entire jail.
Google/Brooke Trueblood Step into the shoes of guards who patrolled in this very spot to make sure no escapes happened on their watch.
Park hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Google Maps Address: 220 Prison Hill Road, Yuma, AZ 85364
Learn more about the prison on its website or Facebook page.
Google/Bonnie Foyt
Starting off with just seven inmates, the jail housed a total of 3,069 criminals throughout its 33 operating years.
Google/Tina Gonzalez
You’ll find that many inmates have yet to finish their sentences, as paranormal activity is commonplace up and down the eerie corridor.
Google/Michael Boyd
Amid the disquiet, however, the soft strum of a guitar can be heard drifting through the air. You see, there was a prison band back in the day at Yuma Territorial, and many of its members still aren’t ready to stop playing.
Google/Juan David De Jesus
This pit of despair was reserved for the most incorrigible inmates, trapping them in darkness with snakes and scorpions. Most visitors who enter last just minutes before making a hasty departure… are you brave enough to break the record?
Google/Laura Finney
22 prisoners met a violent demise, their spirits refusing to rest until justice has been served.
Google/Brooke Trueblood
Step into the shoes of guards who patrolled in this very spot to make sure no escapes happened on their watch.
Google Maps
Address: 220 Prison Hill Road, Yuma, AZ 85364
Have you ever toured Yuma Territorial Prison? If so, did you experience any phenomena with no logical explanation? Let us know about any spooky occurrences, and check out our previous article for more haunted places to explore: This Haunted Road Trip Will Lead You To The Scariest Places In Arizona.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
