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Unlocking History

Using extensive research culled from historical records, Inside CDCR explores the rich history of the people, places and programs that helped shape the modern state correctional system.

Ship called Mariposa from late 1800s.

Ships were vital to California prison during early years

Early in CDCR's history, ships played a vital role in rehabilitation and transportation. Before automobiles or railroad expansion, let alone...

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Early California prisons were ships, seen across the bay.

Ships served as first prisons for fledgling state

At one time, the California prison system relied on ships for transport, supplies and the housing of the incarcerated population.

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Four photos of a man with mustache and thinning hair.

1870s stagecoach bandit Black Bart reforms, learns job skills

Black Bart robbed 28 stagecoaches between 1877 and 1883, when he was sentenced to San Quentin. While there, he took...

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Bus is transporting youth offenders to Preston.

State creates new agency for young offenders, part 4

Institutions for young offenders sparked the need for more oversight, resulting in the creation of the California Youth Authority, which...

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Drawing of Whittier State Reform School in Los Angeles.

Whittier, Preston youth reform schools open doors, part 3

With the closure of the two previous reform schools in San Francisco and Marysville, the state established two new schools...

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Drawing of San Francisco Industrial School.

State opens first reform school; Civil War ship enlisted, part 2

San Francisco tried to deal with a growing problem of trouble-causing youth in their rapidly growing city. The city set...

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Young teen boy mugshot with numbers 20863.

California state prisons evolve to handle young offenders, part 1

Crimes committed by youth ranged from murder to theft but without alternatives to state prison, most ended up in San...

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Victim services information table with two women standing behind it.

Giving voice to others: Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services

Developing the methods to provide information, notification, restitution, outreach, training, referral and support services to crime victims and their next...

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Mexican musicians painted on prison wall.

Artists made mark at California Medical Facility

In 1961, California Medical Facility (CMF) launched an arts program almost by accident when the superintendent at the time wanted...

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Prison matron sits at a desk.

Women working in prisons started with 1885 matron position

Early in the state’s history, incarcerated females were handled by prison matrons but that wasn’t always the case. This is...

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