by Terry Lidral
Folsom Prison has a century and a half of criminal history with some surprising twists and turns. It all started out in 1874 when construction began on 162-cell block B. Finished in 1878, cell block B was followed by 166-cell block A.
Folsom was the second prison to be built in California, it’s purpose being to handle the overflow of inmates from California’s first, San Quentin. A Board of Prison Directors was selected for the Folsom project in 1868 but construction didn’t begin until 1874. On July 26, 1880, 44 prisoners were transferred from San Quentin to establish Folsom’s first inmate population.
The unique construction used for this second prison consisted of 2 individual cell block buildings assembled within the confines of a single, larger structure. At 8 feet by 7 feet, the original cells were not made for comfort. An iron door secured the cell with an 8 inch by 2 inch viewing portal at the top and 6 air ventilation holes at the bottom. The cells had no plumbing or heat. Light came from an oil lamp.
Built on 52 acres of mostly high ground, Folsom was originally a prison with only wooden stockade towers protecting its perimeter. It had been designed to have wooden stockades surrounded by a solid granite wall. But by 1904, the solid granite wall had yet to be built and there was several disastrous breakouts of prisoners that resulted in deaths. Construction on the wall was finally started in 1909.
In 1903, one of the most notorious breakouts from Folsom Prison was accomplished by 13 inmates who made a successful ambush on the guards. The escaped prisoners scattered and a manhunt ensued for the said mastermind Richard “Red” Gordon went on for the next few years. Gordon was never caught. Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/violent-bloody-folsom-prison-escape-1903#:~:text=The%2013%20inmates%20who%20daringly,the%2013%20were%20never%20caught.
Charles Aull was appointed as the first Folsom warden. Transferring from San Quentin in 1887, Aull built a reputation as one of the foremost criminologists of his time. Over the 12 years that he served as warden, Aull developed a prison system that was looked upon as a model penal institution.
Aull’s system of discipline was said to be unequaled during his time. It was a system feared by criminals. Yet, in an almost paradoxical twist, it was noted that the prisoners were treated with kindness and fairness. Aull was the first prison warden to organize recreation for inmates. Under his supervision, baseball teams were organized to play on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
Folsom prison has operated several businesses over the course of its history. One of its best-known enterprises was the ice plant operating from the 1890’s into the 1900’s. Ice production from the Folsom plant has been credited with expanding California’s fruit sales nationwide. Packed with Folsom ice, the fruit would stay fresh as it was transported throughout the United States.
In 1947, Folsom prison became the source of license plates for the state of California. The program has continued to the present day with just over 120 inmates working in the factory.
