Yuma Review November 2014 | Page 3

The fact that the history of the prison si so rich and full of new information for those who are visiting for the first time. Yes, there aren't many kandmarks left in Arizona for tourists to visit, especially in towns as small. But, The Yuma Territorial Prison contains many good traits that should be appreciated. Whenever you and you're

family are in Yuma I'd advice you guys to stop by and learn something new. Take a step back into history and learn what it meant to be punished accordingly and why there were so many people were incarcerated. Also, get to know a few locals who are proud to share their heritage and let you know where they came from or originated.

The Yuma Territorial Prison is a great part of history for the Yuma County. How could a prison bring so much meaning on to the culture and history of Yuma? Well, the prison contributes to multiple aspects of how Yuma came to be. The prison was built in 1876 and began with only 7 inmates. The walls of the prison are filled with the precesence of those who once inhabited the cells and some of their thoughts. The dark cell most of all, gives the visitors an eerie feel to the entire experience. It is a great experience with many fine qualities that captivate your senses and make you want to continue on visiting the site.

Going back in time by visiting the prison allows visitors to understand how the judicial system used to work in the olden days. There were prisoners who ranged from marrying multiple people, to cheaters, to killers, etc. Each artifact that was able to be recovered was saved and kept inside display cabinets for those who visit to see. There are guns and badges and multiple photographs to explain how life used to be inside the prison. The cells are the biggest attraction of all, the old beds and shackles are still inside the concrete cells where inmates once rested when allowed to.

Yuma Review Nov. 16, 2014 3

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ccording to Yuma local, Raymond Cerda, his

experience at the Yuma Territorial Prison was fun and educational. His visit was by personal choice and he stated "though, I enjoyed all the facts, the tour guide could have gone into more detail." In some way he is right, the information seems vague (from personal experience) and too scripted. The more details included would allow the tour to seem more flowy and natural. He also states that one of the dowfalls of the museum is that "the artifacts should be perserved better and taken more care o. They are set up in a way where they can be eassily damaged and if that was to happen a piece of history would be lost." Also, something I noticed on my trip to the prison.