Back to Inside CDCR

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.

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

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

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...

Read More  About When Eleanor Roosevelt visited San Quentin

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...

Read More  About Officer Jolly walked toughest beat for 33 years

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...

Read More  About Notorious bandit’s fate tied to failed Army camel corps

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...

Read More  About Photo Timeline: California Institution for Women

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....

Read More  About Warden Pulley guided two prisons through tumultuous times

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...

Read More  About Retired AW Nelson keeps prison history alive