Browse for hours
and enjoy old photographs
that date back to the
mid-1800s. 

Peruse stories that described  the conditions for  both prisoners and employees
inside the walls at
Fort Madison
Iowa State Penitentiary.
*Over 1100 old photographs
*Over 50 stories with photos

>Complete list of past wardens.
>Complete list of executions.
>Complete list of executioners.
>Complete list of prisoners sentenced to death that were commuted by Iowa Governors.
>See public visitors.
>See sports played inside the walls.
>See  prisoners in the dining hall, in the cellhouse, in striped uniforms, walking in lockstep formation, at work and play. 
>Read the story about the infamous Polk Wells' escape and murder of  prison guard John Elder,1882.
Send $12.00 plus $2.00 S&H for the CD Photographic Archive

Paul May
Historical Archive CD
Iowa State Penitentiary
31 Ave. G
Fort Madison, Iowa 52627

Cash, Check or Money Order
A  group of individuals interested in the preservation of the history of the Iowa State Penitentiary at Fort Madison, Iowa are in process of building a museum.  All monies will go to help develop and maintain the museum.
Iowa Hangings
Cell Block - early 1900
1854 view of prison with wooden stockade around the yard
1866 Old Dining Hall
1877 Warden's House and Stockade enterance
1925 Chair factory
1934 Inmate Band
View of Stockade enterance early 1900
1938 ISP Bulldogs - Inmate Football team
1930 Aerial View
1934 ISP Blues - Inmate baseball team
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