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.

Early in CDCR's history, ships played a vital role in rehabilitation and transportation. Before automobiles or railroad expansion, let alone...
Read More About Ships were vital to California prison during early years

At one time, the California prison system relied on ships for transport, supplies and the housing of the incarcerated population.
Read More About Ships served as first prisons for fledgling state

Black Bart robbed 28 stagecoaches between 1877 and 1883, when he was sentenced to San Quentin. While there, he took...
Read More About 1870s stagecoach bandit Black Bart reforms, learns job skills

Institutions for young offenders sparked the need for more oversight, resulting in the creation of the California Youth Authority, which...
Read More About State creates new agency for young offenders, part 4

With the closure of the two previous reform schools in San Francisco and Marysville, the state established two new schools...
Read More About Whittier, Preston youth reform schools open doors, part 3

San Francisco tried to deal with a growing problem of trouble-causing youth in their rapidly growing city. The city set...
Read More About State opens first reform school; Civil War ship enlisted, part 2

Crimes committed by youth ranged from murder to theft but without alternatives to state prison, most ended up in San...
Read More About California state prisons evolve to handle young offenders, part 1

Developing the methods to provide information, notification, restitution, outreach, training, referral and support services to crime victims and their next...
Read More About Giving voice to others: Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services

In 1961, California Medical Facility (CMF) launched an arts program almost by accident when the superintendent at the time wanted...
Read More About Artists made mark at California Medical Facility

Early in the state’s history, incarcerated females were handled by prison matrons but that wasn’t always the case. This is...
Read More About Women working in prisons started with 1885 matron position