Address: 201 N 1st St, Cañon City, CO 81212, USA
Official Website: http://www.prisonmuseum.org/
The Tale Begins
Deep in the heart of the Rockies lies an eccentric piece of Colorado’s rich history that sends shivers down the spine of even the bravest explorers. The Museum of Colorado Prisons, a captivating vestige of time, chronicles more than a century’s worth of penitentiary tales— through every chilling hallway, spooky artifact, and spectral inhabitant. Have you ever imagined exploring a prison at night, gloomy shadows cast by dimly lit corridors, chilling echoes whispering untold stories into your ear, or unseen eyes watching your every step? Well, prepare to immerse yourself in an eerie journey that binds history and the paranormal, as we pull back the rusty bars of this notoriously “haunted” institution and delve into its enigmatic past. Exercise caution, dear reader, for you are about to embark on a chilling adventure into the supernatural side of the Museum of Colorado Prisons – not for the faint-hearted!
The History of Museum of Colorado Prisons
The Museum of Colorado Prisons is a unique and intriguing resource that explores the history of incarceration in the U.S. state of Colorado. The museum is located in Canon City, just next to the entrance of the Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility, one of the oldest prisons in the state.
The museum itself lives in a former women’s prison that was built in 1935. The idea of converting it into a museum was first proposed in 1968 but it didn’t materialize at the time. Then, decades later, in 1988, the local leadership decided to revisit this idea and start an effort to turn the old prison into a museum. Through a combined effort of community volunteers, donations, and grants, the necessary renovations were completed, and the Museum of Colorado Prisons was finally opened to the public on June 18, 1988.
The museum’s collection includes artifacts and displays from prisons across the state of Colorado, dating back to the territorial days. These exhibits depict the history of Colorado‘s prison system, the lives of the inmates who lived there, and the roles of these institutions in the broader community. Cell exhibits feature contraband items, inmate art, official documents, and photographs.
The museum also serves an educational purpose. By presenting the reality of prison life and the history of its prison system, the Museum of Colorado Prisons aims to help the public understand the challenges and achievements of the criminal justice system in Colorado. It offers a unique perspective into this often overlooked part of American history.
Due to its educational purpose and historic value, the museum has gained popularity among tourists visiting the area. It provides a glimpse into an aspect of Colorado‘s history that few other institutions can offer. In 2021, it still stands as an essential attraction for those interested in history, criminology, or sociology.
Is it really haunted at Museum of Colorado Prisons?
The Museum of Colorado Prisons in Canon City, Colorado is noted for being one of the most haunted places in the state. Originally a women’s prison built in 1935, it was converted into a museum in 1988 and showcases 140 years of Colorado‘s prison history. There are numerous tales of uncanny experiences and spectral sightings, which suggest that the museum might be haunted.
1. Cell 19: The most infamous ghost of the museum is supposedly a former inmate named Joe. He is said to have been falsely convicted and bricked into his prison cell. His stifling screams can reportedly be heard from cell 19 till this day. It is also said that there’s an unexplained cold spot felt by visitors in this cell.
2. Phantom Scents: Visitors and staff often report strange odors with no clear source, such as the scent of tobacco, even though no one is smoking, and an old, musty perfume that was commonly used during the early 1900s suggesting a time gone by.
3. Cell 1: Thought to be occupied by a malevolent spirit, Cell 1 has been reported to make people feel extremely unsettled. Some visitors experience feelings of dread and uneasiness so intense that they have to leave the cell immediately.
4. Apparitions: There have been numerous reports of apparitions seen in the building, with descriptions suggesting they might be of former prisoners or guards. Some guests have reported seeing the apparitions wearing prisoner’s uniforms from different eras, reinforcing the belief of a haunting history.
5. EVP Recordings: Numerous paranormal investigators who have visited the museum reported capturing clear Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) recordings of unexplained voices. Some of these voices have allegedly answered queries and communicated with the investigators, giving credence to the paranormal activity claims.
While these stories and experiences are compelling, the existence of ghosts remains a subject of debate with skeptics pointing towards explanations grounded in psychology and physics. Nonetheless, whether believer or skeptic, the Museum of Colorado Prisons offers an interesting exploration of both history and allegedly ghostly inhabitants.
Wrapping Up
The Museum of Colorado Prisons is known for its captivating history and haunting tales. Located in Canon City, this museum was initially a women’s prison, opened in 1935, showcasing Colorado‘s penitentiary history. It highlights various artifacts, images, inmate-crafted items, and cell exhibits from an array of infamous prisons around the state.
The central theme draws from unsettling stories of the traumatic lives of past inmates, adding a chilling edge to the historical narrative. Visitors claim to have experienced paranormal activities such as floating orbs, disembodied voices, strange echoes, and sudden chills. One of the famous spirits said to reside here is a female prisoner who died under mysterious circumstances. Cell 19 is particularly associated with this apparitional inhabitant and infamous for its eerie occurrences. The museum is often visited by those intrigued by the amalgamation of history and hauntings, making it a hotspot for adventure seekers and paranormal enthusiasts.
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