Beginning construction in 1878, Folsom Prison located in California came to be due to a decision made by California legislature in 1858. The decision to build a new prison was made because of “ serious overcrowding in San Quentin”( “Folsom Prison Museum Brochure” 1).
With being one of the first maximum security prisons in the Nation, Folsom has a rich and impeccable history. In the beginning it had 1,700 cells, the walls were approximately 8’ by 4’ in size. The doors on the cells were solid iron with openings 6” by 2” for viewing. Only an oil lamp for light the inmates also did not have heating or plumbing in their cells causing the spread of many diseases.
Like many prisons Folsom had many escape attempts. In 1880 the first escape caused
With being one of the first maximum security prisons in the Nation, Folsom has a rich and impeccable history. In the beginning it had 1,700 cells, the walls were approximately 8’ by 4’ in size. The doors on the cells were solid iron with openings 6” by 2” for viewing. Only an oil lamp for light the inmates also did not have heating or plumbing in their cells causing the spread of many diseases.
Like many prisons Folsom had many escape attempts. In 1880 the first escape caused