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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The Unlocking History series uses extensive research culled from historical records while CDCR Time Capsule republishes historical documents as originally written.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 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...

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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...

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Eleanor Roosevelt walks near the photography department at San Quentin prison in 1943.

When Eleanor Roosevelt visited San Quentin

CDCR's photographic archive often leaves staff with more questions than answers. One such photo is that of First Lady Eleanor...

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A prison gate in the background with two grainy photos of a prison guard.

Officer Jolly walked toughest beat for 33 years

Correctional Officer Charles H. Jolly gave up his first career as a grocer after a devastating fire destroyed the Folsom...

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Bandit mughsot of Tiburcio Vasquez and camels.

Notorious bandit’s fate tied to failed Army camel corps

Tiburcio Vasquez, an outlaw who plundered Central and Southern California for two decades, may owe his capture to a long...

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Drawing of California Institution for Women in 1930.

Photo Timeline: California Institution for Women

From the days of the first prison ships, CDCR has adapted to incarcerate females sentenced to state prison. Originally housed...

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First rules for convicts were issued by the original board of directors, shown in two sketches and a painting.

1858: San Quentin’s first Rules for Convicts issued

To help stabilize San Quentin, Governor John Weller, Lieutenant Governor Joseph Walkup and Secretary of State Ferris Forman in 1858...

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Photo of a man superimposed over San Quentin State Prison.

Warden Pulley guided two prisons through tumultuous times

Warden Clinton Duffy in 1942 raised eyebrows when he hired the first black correctional officer at San Quentin State Prison....

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Retired San Quentin Associate Warden Richard Nelson smiles as he sits in the prison museum.

Retired AW Nelson keeps prison history alive

San Quentin State Prison is the oldest state correctional facility in California and Richard "Dick" Nelson has made it his...

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Two mugshots of lawmen are superimposed over a sketch of San Quentin prison.

San Quentin undercover probe foils deadly 1891 plot

Long before California state prisons established Investigative Services Units or the Office of Correctional Safety, staff used the tools and...

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