CDCR History
Explore the stories of the people, places and programs shaping today’s CDCR. The Unlocking History series uses extensive research culled from historical records while CDCR Time Capsule republishes historical documents as they were originally written.
After witnessing the horrors of the Civil War, working as a police officer and finally serving as San Quentin hangman,...
Read More About Tragic tale of Amos Lunt, the San Quentin executioner
Two inmate numbers on grave markers reveal the stories of a miner and a young gambler who landed at San...
Read More About San Quentin grave markers tell stories of two men
Among the first parole agents were a fingerprint expert, a man involved in charitable causes, and a former deputy sheriff.
Thanks to the 1893 parole law, those serving sentences in California's two prisons were given an incentive to be on...
Read More About 1893 parole law reshapes California prison system
With people rushing west in the mid-1800s, food was scarce so some turned to raiding sea-bird nests, landing one man...
Prior to San Quentin Warden Hoyle arriving in 1907, volunteers were rare. Thanks to his reforms, and the volunteers who...
Read More About Warden Hoyle volunteers ensured lasting changes
When an early 1900s incarcerated patient at San Quentin was diagnosed with a terminal illness, the doctor prescribed a pet...
Read More About San Quentin pet duck was therapy animal for terminal patient
As DJJ transitions toward realignment to counties in the next 15 months, much of its storied history is being explored....
Looking back at a career spanning 35 years, retired Warden Cynthia Tampkins said joining the department was the best choice...
Read More About Retired Warden Cynthia Tampkins credits mentors for successful career
As Black History Month comes to a close, Inside CDCR looks back at those who have contributed to the department...
Read More About Black History Month at CDCR wraps up with look back