The Missouri State Penitentiary was once the oldest prison west of the Mississippi River. Operating from 1836-2004, it is rare for a landmark to have a 168-year historic timeline with people still living to tell its stories. Although there are many who are no longer with us, their stories have been passed down to their relatives and friends.
The “Stories From Inside the Walls” program aims to collect and share the narratives of individuals about the decommissioned Missouri State Penitentiary. The stories shared within this program are provided voluntarily by former inmates, former staff members, and the public.