During a recent renovation at the historic Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City, 12 cellblock registers and other inmate files were discovered. These records provide a glimpse into the lives of prisoners who were incarcerated at the penitentiary during its long history.
The cellblock registers contain valuable information such as the names and descriptions of inmates, their crimes, and the dates of their incarceration and release. These documents offer researchers and historians a unique opportunity to explore the prison’s past and shed light on the experiences of those who were imprisoned there.
The discovery of these records is significant as they can help to piece together the history of the Missouri State Penitentiary and provide insights into the criminal justice system during different time periods. Additionally, these documents can help to preserve the stories of former inmates and ensure that their experiences are not forgotten.
The Missouri State Penitentiary has a rich and storied history, having operated from 1836 to 2004. Over the years, the penitentiary housed notorious criminals, including James Earl Ray, the assassin of Martin Luther King Jr. The discovery of these cellblock registers and inmate files adds to the already extensive collection of artifacts and historical documents at the penitentiary.
Overall, the discovery of these records is an exciting development for those interested in the history of the Missouri State Penitentiary and the lives of those who were incarcerated there. Researchers and historians now have a new resource to explore and uncover the stories of the past.
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