Back to Inside CDCR

CDCR History

CDCR California prison history explores the stories of the people, places and programs that shaped the current state penal system. Within the CDCR History category, there are two sub-categories. The Unlocking History series uses extensive research culled from historical records while CDCR Time Capsule republishes historical documents as originally written.

A female correctional sergeant and female cadets.

1987: Department publication highlights need for females in corrections

Revisit this 1987 story originally published in Correction News. -- When Daniel J. McCarthy first became a correctional officer in...

Read More  About 1987: Department publication highlights need for females in corrections

Woman sits in an office near flowers.

Inspiring Hope: Female volunteers help incarcerated

Since establishing the state prison system in the 1850s, good-hearted neighbors have voluntarily stepped inside to help the incarcerated population....

Read More  About Inspiring Hope: Female volunteers help incarcerated

Photo of Walter Gordon in 1918 football uniform and a photo taken later of him sitting at a desk.

Walter Gordon helped shape parole system

While working to earn his law degree, Walter Gordon Jr. became Berkeley's first African American police officer in 1919. Gordon...

Read More  About Walter Gordon helped shape parole system

Three photos of Richard Nelson show him in 1959, 1969 and 2019.

Late AW Richard Nelson saved prison history

Richard "Dick" Nelson began his career as a Correctional Officer at Folsom State Prison in 1959. He retired in 1998...

Read More  About Late AW Richard Nelson saved prison history

Prison guard Henry Herrill and his wife along with a photo of Herrill in an early Knights of Pythias uniform.

Guard HC Herrill exemplified community involvement

As part of an ongoing effort to tell the forgotten stories of early prison staff, Inside CDCR takes a closer...

Read More  About Guard HC Herrill exemplified community involvement

San Quentin social hall in 1919 shows flags and garland.

Revisiting spirit of prison Christmases past

Connecting through shared experiences, especially holidays, is seen as part of the rehabilitation process. Since the early years at California's...

Read More  About Revisiting spirit of prison Christmases past

Mugshots of 17-year-old Joseph Hoey from San Quentin in 1891.

San Quentin archives: Accountant, teen, Civil War veteran

In 1891, three incarcerated men sat for their photos, later to become permanent records in the San Quentin archives. Each...

Read More  About San Quentin archives: Accountant, teen, Civil War veteran

Five mugshots of three men and two women.

By the numbers: History of the inmate numbering system

A mid-1990s report penned by San Quentin Associate Warden Dick Nelson looks closer at the inmate identification numbering system and...

Read More  About By the numbers: History of the inmate numbering system

A sign for Corcoran Prison features drawings of a prison tower and buildings.

Photo Timeline: CSP‑Corcoran activated in 1988

During the 1980s and '90s, California expanded the prison system. The original 12 prisons were supplemented with new facilities ranging...

Read More  About Photo Timeline: CSP‑Corcoran activated in 1988

A stamped piece of copper shows a cartoon character wearing a baseball uniform. In the background is an areal photo of Folsom Prison.

Behind the Photo: SF Giants artwork from Folsom Prison

A piece of art came to Inside CDCR's attention. Originally believed to have been purchased at a San Francisco art...

Read More  About Behind the Photo: SF Giants artwork from Folsom Prison