Tucked away in the small yet captivating town of Laramie, Wyoming, the Wyoming Territorial Prison stands as a testament to the Old West’s gritty legacy and outlaw history. With its iconic red-brick architecture, the prison conjures images of wagon wheels, six-shooters, and steel bars clanging shut behind infamous inmates. More than just a historical site, this former federal penitentiary whispers tales of escape attempts, hardened criminals, and perhaps something more… ghostly. Whether you’re a history buff, road tripper, or ghost hunter on the trail of the unexplained, this is one destination guaranteed to send a shiver down your spine.
The History
From Lawlessness to Lock-Up
The Wyoming Territorial Prison was established in 1872 when the newly formed Wyoming Territory sought to bring law and order to a wild and unruly frontier. Built to house some of the most dangerous and notorious criminals, the prison was one of the earliest territorial penitentiaries in the American West.
Its sturdy construction featured thick stone walls and a series of original cells that could hold up to 42 inmates at a time. Life inside was harsh. Prisoners spent long hours at labor, often working on a broom-making enterprise that later became economically significant to the facility. The prison operated under grim conditions, creating an atmosphere of fear, desperation, and isolation that many say still lingers today.
Notable Inmates
Among the prison’s most infamous residents was the outlaw Butch Cassidy, born Robert LeRoy Parker, who was incarcerated here in 1894 for stealing a horse—a petty crime compared to his later train heists and bank robberies. Cassidy spent 18 months behind bars before being released on good behavior. He later went on to form the Wild Bunch gang, cementing his place in outlaw folklore.
The lineup of inmates reads like a rogues’ gallery of 19th-century crime, including thieves, murderers, and swindlers. Historians have unearthed tales of escape attempts, makeshift weapons, and forbidden communications between inmates and outside conspirators. These echoing walls were once buzzing with activity and the restless energy of men with little to lose.
The Fall and Rebirth
By 1903, the prison was closed due to overcrowding and deteriorating conditions, replaced by a more modern facility in Rawlins. The site was later transferred to the University of Wyoming and used for agricultural experimentation until the mid-1980s. Fortunately, the structure remained intact and was eventually restored as a landmark museum and state historic site in 1991.
Today, the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site offers guided tours, exhibitions, and interactive programs. Visitors can wander through the restored cell blocks, walk the dusty prison yards, and explore the guard towers while imagining life behind bars over a hundred years ago.
The Haunt
For lovers of the paranormal, the Wyoming Territorial Prison is more than just a historical treasure—it’s a hotspot for unexplained phenomena. Desolate corridors, cold drafts, and whispered voices in empty rooms have all been reported by visitors and staff. The energy of the incarcerated seems to have clung to the brick and iron like moss on stone.
Unexplained Phenomena
Some of the most chilling encounters occur in the central cell block, where tourists frequently report feelings of being watched. Others have claimed to hear the faint sound of chains dragging, doors slamming in locked sections of the building, and even the echo of disembodied voices carrying through the halls.
Temperature anomalies are common despite the building’s modern temperature controls, and many ghost hunters have documented sudden drops in temperature on thermal imaging tools at sites of known inmate deaths or former punishment areas.
The Spirit of Injustice
A particularly active specter is believed to be an inmate who died during a botched escape attempt. While his name has been lost in prison records, many say his restless spirit still roams the corridors at night, pacing the same escape route he charted over a hundred years ago.
Witnesses have reported shadow figures crouching near cell doors and darting across the yard after closing time. Paranormal investigation teams have even captured EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) in the administration wing, with murmurs such as “get out” and “help me” embedded in the background noise.
Ghost Hunting Events and Tours
The site has welcomed numerous paranormal investigation groups, and seasonal ghost hunting events are offered during the Halloween season. During these night tours, guests are invited to commune with the past using EMF detectors and other ghost hunting tools provided by the staff.
Whether you’re a seasoned investigator or dipping your toes into the spirit realm for the first time, the prison offers a hands-on experience filled with shudders, sudden sparks of movement, and a deep sense of something otherworldly just around the corner.
A Ghost Hunter’s Dream Destination
Steeped in over 150 years of Western history, grim tales, and ghostly echoes, the Wyoming Territorial Prison is a must-visit for any paranormal enthusiast. The combination of authentic historical context, preserved architecture, and rich folklore makes it one of the most compelling haunted destinations in the U.S.
Bring your EVP recorders, EMF meters, and sense of adventure. Whether you leave with photos of orbs or just the memory of chills running down your spine in a darkened cell, you’ll come away with a story worth telling. Wyoming may be known for its open skies and sweeping plains, but within the walls of the Territorial Prison lies a soul-stirring darkness waiting for you to unlock its secrets.
Looking for your next haunted road trip stop? The Wyoming Territorial Prison just might be your portal to the past—and perhaps even the beyond.