The Wyoming Territorial Prison was a federal government prison near Laramie, Wyoming. It operated as a federal penitentiary from 1872 to 1890, and as a state prison from 1890 to 1901.
The facility had problems from the outset, with a fire in 1873 and recurrent jailbreaks. Of the 44 prisoners accepted in the first two years of operation, 11 escaped. By 1877 the prison was overcrowded. As the prison filled its reputation worsened, and it became less used, being considered more appropriate for those with light sentences. During the 1880s the prison was under capacity, with as few as three prisoners at one time. However, in 1889 a second cellblock was constructed, an expanding capacity to 150 and providing a central kitchen, dining hall, guards’ rooms and steam heat. There were at least five cells for female inmates, and several solitary confinement cells. In 1890 Wyoming became a state and the facility was transferred to the new state, which already had planned a new facility in Rawlins. Butch Cassidy was incarcerated here in 1894-1896. Prisoners were transferred to Rawlins in 1901, the prison was closed in 1903 and given to the University of Wyoming. Now it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Wyoming State Park.
Now we offer a piece of that history with this Silver plated, antiqued and double dye struck badge. Clearly marked "Wyoming Territorial Prison 3 Laramie City"
You can pin it proudly and securely with pin and holder that is soldered on, in the same fashion used in the Old West.
Badge comes "antiqued" but it polishes up real nice if you want a newer cleaner looking badgee!
