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.
Jean "Bessie" Barclay, daughter of a prominent attorney, found life for women in the early 1900s limiting and stifling. Bucking...
Read More About Bessie Barclay, seeking ‘boy’s life,’ lands in San Quentin
A woman sent to San Quentin in 1905 managed to turn her life around, later finding herself in a position...
In 1914, the effort to reform the two state prisons and further inmate rehabilitation. One of the first priorities was...
Read More About Women’s ward matron focused on mental health
One of the early correctional officers at the state's two prisons survived an attack by a notorious inmate, helped track...
Read More About SQ Officer tracks down 1898 escapee, advocates for other inmate’s pardon
A veteran of multiple wars was one of the early correctional staff at what would eventually become San Quentin State...
Read More About Ranger, soldier Bill Byrnes was 1850s San Quentin captain
When a CDCR employee asked about ancestor Joseph Munz, who was incarcerated at San Quentin in 1904, Inside CDCR did...
A Santa Rosa health retreat was the scene of an explosion Feb. 5, 1910, when a mother and her 9-month-old...
Read More About Curious case of dynamiting doctor Willard Burke
Correctional officers in California have walked the toughest beat in the state since the prison system was founded with the...
Read More About Correctional Officers have long walked state’s toughest beat
Adolph Weber was a young man from a well-off family. Why he chose to throw a mask over his face...
Read More About Adolph Weber case influences state inheritance laws
From retired CDCR Secretary Scott Kernan to Parole Agent Harvey Watson, some choose to follow the career paths of their...