When the Yuma Territorial Prison opened for business on July 1st, 1876 the planners overlooked an important detail. The builders never envisioned women prisoners. Just two years later, Lizzie Gallagher became the first of twenty-nine women who would serve time at the prison. Lizzie was convicted for manslaughter. Since there were no facilities for women she was placed in solitary confinement. After serving

True West January/February 2025