Prison Capital of Colorado: Canon City's Unusual History

A Town Built on Corrections

Canon City has an unusual claim to fame: it hosts more state prisons than any other city in Colorado. The relationship between the town and its prisons stretches back to 1871, shaping the community in ways both obvious and subtle.

How It Started

When Colorado was still a territory, lawmakers needed to establish a prison. Canon City lobbied hard for the institution, seeing it as an economic opportunity. In 1871, the Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility opened—the first state prison in Colorado. It remains operational today, making it one of the oldest continuously operating prisons in the nation.

Growth of the Prison Complex

Over the decades, more facilities joined the original prison. Today, the Colorado Department of Corrections operates multiple facilities in the Canon City area, including the Fremont Correctional Facility and the Colorado State Penitentiary (the state's supermax). Together, these institutions employ thousands of locals and have been a stable economic engine for over 150 years.

The Prison Museum

For visitors, the most accessible way to explore this history is the Museum of Colorado Prisons. Housed in a former women's prison building adjacent to the still-operational territorial facility, the museum offers a fascinating—and sometimes chilling—look at prison life through the ages. Exhibits include preserved cells, confiscated contraband, and stories of famous inmates and daring escapes.

It's not for everyone, but those with interest in criminal justice history, true crime, or unusual museums will find it compelling. The museum treats its subject matter seriously while providing genuine historical insight.

The Inmate Labor Legacy

Interestingly, prison labor built some of Canon City's most famous attractions. Skyline Drive, the dramatic road along a narrow hogback ridge, was constructed by prison work crews in 1905. The stone walls along some historic buildings? Also prison labor. This history is woven into the fabric of the town.

Today

The prisons remain a major employer and economic factor, though Canon City has increasingly diversified into tourism. The relationship is largely harmonious—most residents grew up with the prisons as simply part of life. For visitors, it adds an intriguing layer to a town better known for its natural beauty.