Laramie Jail History tells the story of how a small frontier town built a system to keep its people safe. Over more than 150 years, the jail changed from a simple log building to a modern center focused on safety and helping people return to the community. This history shows how law, society, and technology grew together in Laramie, Wyoming.
Early Days: The First Jails in Laramie
When settlers first came to Laramie in the 1860s, there was no real jail. People accused of crimes were held in basements, barns, or even tied to trees. As the town grew, so did crime. The need for a real jail became clear.
The First Jail: 1868
In 1868, Laramie built its first real jail. It was a small wooden building with one room and iron bars. This jail held people waiting for trial or short sentences. It was not safe or strong. Prisoners often escaped by breaking the walls or picking the locks.
The Second Jail: 1875
By 1875, Laramie had grown fast. The Union Pacific Railroad brought workers, travelers, and trouble. The old jail was too small and weak. So, the town built a new one. This jail was made of stone and brick. It had two floors and six cells. It was stronger and harder to escape.
- 1875: New stone jail built on South Third Street.
- 1880s: Added more cells and a sheriff’s office.
- 1890: First electric lights installed.
Laramie County Jail: A New Era Begins
In 1880, Laramie became the county seat of Laramie County. This meant the jail now served the whole county, not just the town. The old jail was still too small. In 1899, a bigger, stronger jail opened. It was built next to the courthouse and had 20 cells, a kitchen, and a hospital room.
Life Inside the Old Jail
Life in the old jail was hard. Cells were cold in winter and hot in summer. There was no running water at first. Inmates slept on straw mattresses. Meals were simple: bread, beans, and coffee. Guards were few, and escapes happened often.
Notable Inmates
Over the years, the jail held many famous and dangerous people. One was Tom Horn, a hired gunman accused of murder. He was held in Laramie in 1900 before his trial. Another was a group of outlaws from the Wild Bunch gang in the 1910s. Their escape attempt made news across the state.
Modern Changes: 20th Century Upgrades
The 20th century brought big changes to the Laramie jail. New laws, better technology, and new ideas about justice led to upgrades.
1930s: New Rules and Repairs
In the 1930s, the jail got running water, toilets, and better food. The state started checking jails to make sure they were safe. Laramie made repairs and added fire escapes.
1960s: A Push for Reform
In the 1960s, people began to think differently about jail. It wasn’t just for punishment. It should help people change. Sheriff Thomas Harding started programs to teach inmates skills. He brought in teachers, doctors, and counselors.
- 1965: First school program for inmates.
- 1970: Mental health services added.
- 1975: Vocational training in carpentry and welding.
The 1979 Jail: A Modern Facility
By the 1970s, the old jail was falling apart. It was too small, unsafe, and outdated. In 1979, a brand-new jail opened on West Grand Avenue. This was a major step forward.
Features of the 1979 Jail
The new jail had 100 beds, modern cells, and better security. It included:
- Video cameras in hallways and common areas.
- Electronic locks on all doors.
- A medical unit with a nurse on duty.
- Classrooms for education programs.
- A library and recreation room.
Impact on the Community
The new jail made Laramie safer. It reduced escapes and improved health care for inmates. It also showed that the community cared about fair treatment. Schools, churches, and nonprofits began working with the jail to help inmates.
Technology and Reform: 1990s to 2020s
In the 1990s, computers came to the jail. Records went digital. Cameras got better. In the 2000s, GPS tracking and biometric scanners were added.
Digital Records and Surveillance
All inmate files are now stored on secure computers. Guards use tablets to check counts and reports. Cameras record 24/7. This helps prevent fights, escapes, and abuse.
Rehabilitation Programs Grow
Today, the jail offers many programs to help inmates:
- GED and high school diploma classes.
- Job training in cooking, welding, and computers.
- Counseling for addiction and mental health.
- Anger management and life skills courses.
- Visits from family and mentors.
Notable Events in Laramie Jail History
Over the years, the jail has seen many important events. Some were tragic. Some led to big changes.
The 1924 Jailbreak
In 1924, three inmates dug a tunnel under the wall. They escaped but were caught a week later. After this, the jail added concrete floors and metal detectors.
The 1985 Riot
In 1985, a fight between inmates turned into a riot. Cells were damaged, and guards were hurt. The jail responded by improving staff training and adding crisis teams.
The 2010 Drug Bust
In 2010, police found a drug ring operating inside the jail. Phones and drugs were smuggled in. This led to stricter searches and banned certain visitors.
Preservation and Public Interest
Though the old jails are gone, people still remember them. The Laramie Historical Society works to preserve the story of the jail.
Laramie Jail Museum
A small museum in downtown Laramie shows photos, tools, and stories from the old jail. Visitors can see a real cell door, a sheriff’s badge, and newspaper clippings.
Tours and Education
The current jail offers tours for students and researchers. Schools visit to learn about law and history. The sheriff’s office gives talks on crime prevention.
Ghost Stories and Urban Legends
Many people say the old jail was haunted. Stories tell of screams at night, cold spots, and shadows. Some believe Tom Horn’s ghost still walks the halls. While there’s no proof, these tales keep the jail’s memory alive.
Architecture and Design
The design of the jail changed with the times. Early jails were simple and strong. Later ones focused on safety, health, and comfort.
19th Century Style
The 1875 jail had thick stone walls, iron bars, and small windows. It looked like a fortress. The 1899 jail added a clock tower and a front porch for the sheriff.
20th Century Style
The 1979 jail used modern materials like steel and concrete. It had open spaces, bright lights, and clear sightlines for guards. The design helped prevent hiding spots and fights.
Law Enforcement and Sheriffs
The jail was run by the sheriff and deputies. Many sheriffs made big impacts.
Sheriff John Wentworth (1880s)
Wentworth was known for fairness. He stopped harsh punishments and started meal plans. He also hired the first female deputy in Wyoming.
Sheriff Thomas Harding (1960s–1970s)
Harding pushed for reform. He believed jail should help people, not just punish them. He started education and job programs. His work inspired other jails in the state.
Sheriff Danny Perkins (2000s–2010s)
Perkins focused on technology and safety. He added cameras, alarms, and training for staff. He also worked with mental health experts to help inmates.
Crime and Justice in Laramie
The jail reflects the crime trends in Laramie. In the 1800s, most crimes were theft, drunkenness, and fights. In the 1900s, drugs and gangs became bigger problems.
19th Century Crimes
Common crimes included:
- Stealing horses or cattle.
- Drinking in public.
- Gambling in saloons.
- Assault during bar fights.
20th Century Crimes
By the 1900s, crimes changed:
- Drug possession and sales.
- Domestic violence.
- Car theft and burglary.
- Gang activity in the 1980s and 1990s.
21st Century Focus
Today, the jail deals with:
- Methamphetamine and opioid abuse.
- Domestic violence cases.
- Mental health crises.
- White-collar crimes like fraud.
Public Records and Research
Many people want to learn about the jail’s past. Public records are available for research.
Where to Find Records
Old jail records are kept at:
- Laramie County Clerk’s Office.
- Wyoming State Archives.
- Laramie Public Library.
What’s Included
Records may show:
- Inmate names and crimes.
- Dates of arrest and release.
- Sheriff reports and escape attempts.
- Newspaper articles from the time.
How to Access
Most records are free to view. Some require a request form. Online databases are growing, but many files are still on paper.
Historical Photos and Documents
Photos and documents help tell the jail’s story. Many are preserved in local collections.
Key Photos
- 1875 jail under construction.
- 1899 jail with sheriff and deputies.
- 1924 jailbreak tunnel.
- 1979 jail opening day.
Important Documents
- Sheriff’s logs from 1880–1950.
- Escape reports from the 1920s.
- Reform plans from the 1960s.
- Modern program guides from 2020.
Closure of the Old Jails
The old jails were closed when new ones opened. The 1875 jail was torn down in 1899. The 1899 jail was used until 1979, then closed. The building stood empty for years.
What Happened to the Buildings?
The 1899 jail was eventually demolished. Some bricks were saved for memorials. The site is now a parking lot. The 1979 jail is still in use but may be replaced in the future.
Preservation Efforts
The Laramie Historical Society has saved artifacts and stories. They hope to create a full museum one day. They also host talks and walks about jail history.
Visitor Information
People can learn about the jail today.
Laramie Jail Museum
Location: 2nd and Grand Avenue, Laramie, WY
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Phone: (307) 745-3542
Website: www.laramiehistory.org/jail
Current Jail Tours
Tours of the active jail are available by appointment. Groups of 10 or more can schedule a visit. Call the Sheriff’s Office at (307) 745-8686.
Educational Resources
Teachers can request lesson plans on jail history, law, and reform. The Sheriff’s Office also offers guest speakers for classrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask about the jail’s past, its famous inmates, and how it changed over time. Here are the most common questions and clear, fact-based answers.
When was the first Laramie jail built?
The first jail in Laramie was built in 1868. It was a small wooden building with one room and iron bars. It served the town until 1875, when a stronger stone jail replaced it. This early jail was basic and unsafe, with no running water or heat. Prisoners often escaped by breaking through the walls. The 1868 jail marked the start of formal law enforcement in Laramie. It showed the town’s need for order as the population grew. Though it was simple, it was a key step in building a justice system. The site of the first jail is now part of downtown Laramie.
Who were some famous inmates in Laramie jail?
One of the most famous inmates was Tom Horn, a hired gunman accused of murder in 1900. He was held in the Laramie jail before his trial. Another group was the Wild Bunch gang in the 1910s. They tried to escape but were caught. In the 1980s, a local crime boss was held for drug trafficking. These inmates made headlines and led to changes in jail security. Their stories are part of Laramie’s criminal history. Many old newspapers wrote about their arrests and trials. Today, their names appear in museum exhibits and local books.
Why did the Laramie jail close in 1979?
The old jail closed in 1979 because it was too small, unsafe, and outdated. It had no modern heating, poor lighting, and weak locks. Escapes and riots showed it was no longer secure. The new jail on West Grand Avenue was built to meet modern standards. It had better cells, medical care, and technology. The closure marked a shift toward safer, more humane detention. The old building was later demolished. The new jail set a model for other counties in Wyoming.
Is the old Laramie jail haunted?
Many people believe the old jail was haunted. Stories tell of screams, cold spots, and shadows. Some say Tom Horn’s ghost still walks the halls. Others report seeing figures in old cells. While there’s no proof of ghosts, these tales are part of local folklore. The Laramie Historical Society collects these stories for fun. They do not claim they are true. The legends keep the jail’s memory alive in the community.
Can I visit the current Laramie jail?
Yes, but only by appointment. The Sheriff’s Office offers tours for schools, researchers, and groups of 10 or more. Call (307) 745-8686 to schedule. Tours show the cells, medical unit, and control room. Visitors must pass a background check. The jail is an active facility, so access is limited for safety. There is also a museum in downtown Laramie with jail artifacts and photos. It is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday.
How has the jail changed over time?
The jail changed from a simple lockup to a modern center focused on safety and rehabilitation. Early jails were cold, dark, and unsafe. Today’s jail has heat, medical care, and education programs. Technology like cameras and electronic locks improves security. Programs teach job skills and mental health support. The shift shows how society now values helping inmates return to the community. These changes reflect progress in law, health, and human rights.
Where can I find old jail records?
Old jail records are kept at the Laramie County Clerk’s Office, the Wyoming State Archives, and the Laramie Public Library. You can view inmate logs, sheriff reports, and escape records. Some files are on paper, but digital copies are growing. Most records are free to access. You may need to fill out a request form. Researchers, historians, and family members use these records to learn about the past. The collections help preserve Laramie’s justice history.