Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility: A Historic Institution of American Prisons

Visiting Hours: Connecting with Loved Ones

For inmates, maintaining a connection with the outside world is essential for their emotional well-being and successful rehabilitation. If you plan to visit an inmate at the Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility, here are the visiting hours you need to be aware of:

General Population Visiting

• Fridays: 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm
• Saturdays and Sundays: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Cell House Five Transportation Unit Visitation

• Fridays: 8:30 am – 10:45 am

Infirmary Hospice Unit Visitation

• Daily: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Infirmary Unit (Non-Hospice) Visitation

• Fridays: 8:30 am – 10:45 am (Must be there for 30 days to be eligible for visits)

These visiting hours ensure that inmates can maintain crucial ties with their loved ones while adhering to the facility’s schedule.

Contact Information

Physical Address

Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility 275 West US Highway 50 Canon City, CO, 81215

Telephone

(719) 269-4002

Inmate Mailing Address

Inmate Name, ID Number Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility P.O. Box 1010 Canon City, CO, 81215-1010

Introduction

The Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility (CTCF) is a historic prison located in Cañon City, Colorado. Founded in 1871, it is the oldest prison in the state and has a rich history of incarcerating some of America’s most notorious criminals. Over the years, the prison has undergone numerous renovations and upgrades, but its original stone walls and guard towers still stand tall. In this article, we’ll explore the history and significance of the CTCF, its role in the American prison system, and the impact it has had on the local community.

Early History and Establishment of CTCF

In 1868, the Colorado Territory was in need of a state prison to replace the outdated and overcrowded facilities that existed at the time. A site was selected in Cañon City, and construction began in 1870. The prison was built by convict labor, and the first inmates were transferred from the territorial prison in Denver in 1871.

Architecture and Design of CTCF

The CTCF was designed to be a maximum-security prison, with thick stone walls, guard towers, and cells that were made of solid iron. The architecture of the prison was influenced by the Auburn System, which was a model of prison design that emphasized discipline, punishment, and hard labor. The prison was designed to hold 320 inmates, but by the 1920s, it was severely overcrowded.

Notable Inmates of CTCF

Over the years, the CTCF has housed many famous and notorious inmates. One of the most famous was Alfred Packer, who was convicted of cannibalism in 1874. Other famous inmates include Tom Horn, a notorious gunman who was executed at the prison in 1903, and Eddie Bunker, a convicted bank robber who later became a successful writer and screenwriter.

Changes in the American Prison System and CTCF

The American prison system underwent significant changes in the 20th century, and the CTCF was no exception. In the 1920s, the prison began to emphasize rehabilitation and education rather than punishment and hard labor. In the 1960s, the prison underwent major renovations and upgrades, including the addition of new cell blocks and educational facilities.

Impact of CTCF on the Local Community

The CTCF has had a significant impact on the local community. It has provided jobs and economic opportunities for the people of Cañon City, and many local residents have family members who have worked or been incarcerated at the prison. The prison also has a museum that is open to the public, which serves as a reminder of the rich history and heritage of the CTCF and the American prison system as a whole.

Conclusion

The Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility is a historic institution that has played an important role in the American prison system. From its early days as a maximum-security prison to its modern focus on rehabilitation and education, the CTCF has undergone significant changes over the years. Despite its dark history, the prison has become a source of pride for the people of Cañon City and a reminder of the importance of justice, rehabilitation, and community.

FAQs

1. Is the CTCF still in operation?

• Yes, the CTCF is still in operation and houses approximately 800 inmates.

2. Can the public tour the CTCF?

• No, the CTCF is not open to the public for tours due to safety and security concerns. However, there is a museum on site that is open to the public.

3. How has the CTCF changed over the years?

3. How has the CTCF changed over the years?

• The CTCF has undergone significant changes over the years, including major renovations and upgrades in the 1960s. The prison has shifted its focus from punishment and hard labor to rehabilitation and education, offering programs to help inmates improve their skills and prepare for life outside of prison.

4. What is the Auburn System?

• The Auburn System was a model of prison design that emphasized discipline, punishment, and hard labor. It was influential in the design of the CTCF and other prisons in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

5. Who are some of the other notable inmates of CTCF?

• Other notable inmates of CTCF include Harvey Bailey, a notorious bank robber and member of the Barker-Karpis gang, and Joseph Corbett Jr., who was convicted of kidnapping and murdering Adolph Coors III, the heir to the Coors Brewing Company.

6. How has the CTCF impacted the local economy?

• The CTCF has provided jobs and economic opportunities for the people of Cañon City for over a century. Many local residents have family members who have worked or been incarcerated at the prison, and the prison’s museum is a popular tourist attraction in the area.

7. Is the CTCF a safe and secure prison?

• Yes, the CTCF is a maximum-security prison that is designed to house some of the most dangerous criminals in the state. The prison has a highly trained staff and state-of-the-art security measures to ensure the safety of staff, inmates, and the surrounding community.

8. What is the future of the CTCF?

• The future of the CTCF is uncertain, as the prison faces many challenges in the modern era of criminal justice reform. However, the prison remains an important part of Colorado’s history and heritage, and will likely continue to play a role in the state’s prison system for many years to come.