Folsom Prison Museum

Folsom Prison was established in 1858, when a decision in the legislature was passed to create a branch in California. With the overcrowded conditions in San Quentin it became necessary to have a prison for the extra individuals. Ten years after the legislation passed an area one mile from Folsom town was chosen for the prison. Still, it took until 1878 for an actual building to be constructed on that tract of land. Folsom Prison had 44 inmates at the beginning, many being from Canton, China.

The prison also had a female prisoner in 1885. She was the first of six to ever be incarcerated. The last woman in the prison was incarcerated in 1929. Today the original Folsom Prison is a museum where individuals can learn about the early prison history. Admission is $2.00 per person and children 12 and under are free. Cameras are welcome at the prison for those who wish to take pictures. The museum is open daily from 10am to 4pm. They do close for major holidays. Visitors can enjoy the gift shop, bringing home souvenirs and pictures of their time at Folsom Prison Museum. Much of the display includes prisoner artifacts, images, and historical data.