Address: Wyoming Frontier Prison, 500 W Walnut St, Rawlins, WY 82301
Phone: (307) 324-4422
Website: wyomingfrontierprison.org
Hours: Open daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, guided tours available
History of the Wyoming Frontier Prison
Construction of the Wyoming Frontier Prison, originally called the Wyoming State Penitentiary, began in 1888. Delays in funding and harsh weather pushed back its opening until December 1901. Located in Rawlins, this stone fortress was the state’s first penitentiary, designed to hold Wyoming’s most dangerous criminals.
The prison’s first cell block, known as Cell Block A, had 104 cells with no electricity, running water, or proper heat—conditions that were brutal during the Wyoming winters. Overcrowding quickly became an issue, prompting the addition of new wings: the west wing of Block A in 1904, Cell Block B in 1950, and the high-security Block C in 1966.
Executions were part of life here. Between 1901 and 1981, fourteen men were executed within the walls—nine by hanging and five by lethal gas. The infamous “Julien Gallows” and later the gas chamber, both housed on site, remain chilling reminders of the prison’s dark past.
The penitentiary officially closed in 1981 when a new facility was built nearby. Today, the Wyoming Frontier Prison is preserved as a museum, showcasing over 80 years of history and hardship.
Paranormal Activity at the Frontier Prison
The harsh conditions, executions, and countless tragedies within these walls have left a strong imprint, and many believe the prison is one of the most haunted places in Wyoming.
Visitors and staff report:
- Disembodied voices and footsteps echoing through empty corridors.
- Cold spots in the Death House and solitary confinement areas.
- Shadow figures and apparitions, often seen near the execution chamber and old cell blocks.
- Unexplained touches—shoulder grabs, hair pulling, or sensations of being watched.
- Objects moving on their own and doors slamming without cause.
Some ghost stories center around former inmates. Andrew Pixley, executed in the gas chamber for murder, is said to linger in his former cell. Others claim to hear crying and even screaming from vacant cells.
Paranormal investigators frequently visit the site, capturing unexplained voices and sounds on recording equipment. The eerie atmosphere combined with the prison’s violent history makes it a hotspot for those seeking proof of the supernatural.
Visiting Today
The Wyoming Frontier Prison welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Guided tours lead guests through the cell blocks, cafeteria, prison yard, and execution chambers. The on-site museum houses artifacts, photographs, and personal accounts that bring the prison’s history to life.
The site is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Special events, including ghost tours, offer opportunities to experience the prison’s paranormal side firsthand.
Ghost hunting is dangerous and should only be done responsibly. Never trespass on private property, and always use caution when exploring historic locations like this.
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