Last month we kicked off our first “Archives treasures” blog series of the year. Now, with the help of our friends from the State Archives, we’re heading into our February round with the Penitentiary Inmate Files of 1881-1902.

Construction of the State Penitentiary in Walla Walla began in 1886, three years before Washington reached statehood. The earliest cells were made of iron and lit using candles until 1902, when electric lights were installed. Originally, both men and women were registered there, until 1971 when the Corrections Center for Women opened near Purdy.

To the right is the mug shot of James Breen, 31, of Spokane. He was arrested in 1896 and convicted of cattle stealing.

Photo courtesy of Washington State Archives

Prisoners and guards were expected to conduct themselves professionally at all times; meals were to be eaten in silence, and eye contact was not to be made.

The inmate files include: the prisoner’s name, alias, residence, physical condition, mug shot, records of admission and stay at the State Penitentiary, social background, crime, sentence, remarks on prison behavior, and other personal data.