On June 22nd , 2001, The G.I.S. went scouting in the state of Wyoming for locations that are believed to have haunting activity. Two G.I.S. members had traveled to Denver, Colorado, back in October 1999, and had picked up a brochure of the Rawlins WY. State Penitentiary. We had been anxious to check out the "Old Pen," as it is known by, ever since. Soooo, we made our way to Rawlins to seek out "Old Pen" in Rawlins on June 23rd. We conducted a preliminary investigation while taking the regular prison tour, which is offered daily for a small donation, Monday through Saturday. We recorded EVP and pictures taken there showed evidence of ghost activity. Also, on interviewing staff members, some related ghost experiences that they themselves had experienced and related tourists ghost experiences at the penitentiary.

We returned to conduct our second investigation August 17th , and then we arranged an overnight stay in the death house on September 21st. We were accompanied by a FOX affiliate, who covered the investigation and conducted interviews with prison staff and members of The G.I.S. Their story will air in October or November of this year.

The history of the prison is really part of the American West. Construction of the main building was completed in 1901. It had many additional buildings added over the years and it was always a 'working' prison, until it was replaced by a new state penitentiary located in Rawlins in. Old Pen served for 80 years and stands as a testimonial to how horrendous and difficult prison life was and is.

It has been turned into a museum, but it stands today exactly as it was the day it closed its doors as a state penitentiary. Although we did not get as much EVP as we thought we would, we did get some, and the following posted rules may explain why the ghosts who linger there didn't talk much. This list had over a dozen rules for the prisoners and their conduct. It is taken word for word from the list.

The first three rules are relevant here:

"RULES OF GOVERNMENT OF CONVICTS"

1. The first duty is strict obedience to all rules and regulations in the orders of the officer under whose charge you may be placed.
2. You must observe strict silence at your work or in marching. No conversation allowed except by permission of the officer in charge. When in your cell, you are permitted to converse in a low tone with your cell mate, but must cease when retiring bell rings, and conversation with anyone in adjoining cells is strictly forbidden.
3. You must not speak to any visitor, or give to or receive from a visitor, anything except by permission of the Warden. You must not gaze at visitors or strangers walking through the prison, but at all times during working hours, give your undivided attention to your work. You are expected to apply yourself diligently to whatever task you may be put and not to leave same until finished.

The tours are very informative and interesting. We would encourage you to stop in Rawlins, Wyoming and take the time to go through this historic place. It is amazing!

The location is Fifth and Walnut Streets in Rawlins, Wyoming.

Address: 500 West Walnut St., Rawlins, Wyoming
Phone: (307) 324-4422