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Unlocking History series uses extensive research culled from historical records while CDCR Time Capsule republishes historical documents as originally written.

Sammy Davis Jr stands before inmates

Artists have long helped rehabilitate incarcerated

Since Sarah Bernhardt and Harry Houdini performed in prison in the early 1900s, artists have been helping rehabilitate the incarcerated...

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Grainy photo of two-story building a small brick-and-stone jail.

Navy chaplain Walter Colton shaped early prison system

The seeds of rehabilitation were planted early thanks to Walter Colton, a Navy chaplain appointed Monterey Alcalde in 1846.

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Three men stand behind a fire engine that appears to have been recently washed as a water bucket is nearby.

Jan. 5, 1912: Former officer on prison reform

Former Correctional Officer William Conroy, who worked at San Quentin from 1903 to 1907, wrapped up his series on prison...

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Robert Presley served in the military during WWII, was undersheriff at Riverside County, was a state senator, and secretary of the Youth and Adult Correctional Agency.

Former YACA Secretary Robert Presley passes at 93

Former Youth and Adult Correctional Agency (YACA) Secretary Robert Presley passed away Sept. 22, 2018, at age 93. He was...

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San Quentin inmates watch a baseball game while a guard supervises.

Jan. 4, 1912: San Quentin officer describes duties

The Santa Cruz Evening News published this piece by former correctional officer William Conroy on Jan. 4, 1912. Conroy describes...

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San Quentin warden's office and entrance in 1910.

1912: Former officer describes SQ visitors tour

"It is often people ask me, 'What do you see at San Quentin going through the prison?' And about the...

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Food service kitchen with cooking pots and large vats in a prison.

1912: Former officer on prison food

Former Correctional Officer William Conroy, who worked at San Quentin prison from 1903 to 1907, wrote this piece regarding food...

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Black and white list of names of prison inmates, including Richard Barter, also known as Rattlesnake Dick.

Rattlesnake Dick highlighted need for classification

The legend of Gold Rush era bandit Rattlesnake Dick, aka Richard Barter, is full of speculation and guesswork. If he...

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Early female prison staff supervised women at San Quentin, like in this early courtyard image.

1911: Former officer describes life for females

Former Correctional Officer William Conroy describes how incarcerated females were employed at San Quentin. This is the third of a...

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Incarcerated prison workers on the job at the San Quentin State Prison Jute Mill in early 1900s. Looms and cotton textiles fill the room.

Dec. 19, 1911: Former officer describes prison jobs

Former Correctional Officer William Conroy, who worked at San Quentin State Prison from 1903 to 1907, wrote this piece regarding...

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