As I step through the imposing entrance of Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, I am immediately transported back in time to a place that housed some of the most notorious criminals in Arizona Territorys history. The park sits on a bluff overlooking the Colorado River, creating a striking contrast between its dark past and the picturesque beauty that surrounds it today. This historic site is one of the Yuma Crossing and Associated Sites on the National Register of Historic Places within the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area. It was opened to the public in January 1961, with Clarisa Windsor as the first park manager. During its 33 years of operation, from 1876 to 1909, the prison housed over 3,000 inmates, each with their own unique stories of crime and punishment. The Yuma Territorial Prison has earned a reputation as one of the most haunted destinations in the United States. It has even been featured on various paranormal shows, capturing the imaginations of ghost hunters and curious visitors alike. As you wander through the park, its impossible not to feel a shiver down your spine as you imagine the lives of those who once called this place home. Today, visitors can tour the actual strap iron cells and solitary chamber that housed some of Arizona Territorys first criminals. The park has been transformed into a museum, with exhibits that provide detailed accounts of its history and the lives of its inmates. You can almost hear the echoes of their footsteps as you explore this once-feared institution. To visit Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, head to 220 Prison Hill Road, Yuma, AZ 85364. For more information or to plan your visit, call (928) 783-4771 or visit yumaprison.org.