JAIL/PRISON

[Lady Cop]

Photographer Lucy Nicholson has secured rare access to San Quentin state prison, California's oldest correctional facility, bringing back a series of thought-provoking images showing life behind bars.

The history of the infamous correctional facility goes back to the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill. The gold meant a great influx of new people to the region, among them some unsavory characters who would eventually require incarceration.

Before a permanent facility was erected, convicts were housed aboard prison ships such as the 268-ton wooden vessel named The Waban, anchored in San Francisco Bay and outfitted to hold 30 inmates

Until 1932, the prison housed both male and female inmates. It’s most dubious claim to fame, however, is that it is the only correctional facility in California with a gas chamber.



San Quentin currently houses 5,247 inmates





Administrative segregation prisoners take part in a group therapy session at San Quentin



entrance to death row



gas chamber













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