If Huntsville, Texas is known for one thing, it is the prison system. In fact, the first prison in Texas was built in Huntsville which opened in 1849. The reason the first prison, “The Huntsville Unit,” now more commonly known as the Walls, was established in Huntsville is because of Sam Houston. Houston resided in the town and with his authority, he was able to create a new prison system.

Five prisons reside in Huntsville city limits and an additional five within a thirty-mile radius. In order to teach residents more about the prisons in Huntsville, The Texas Prison Museum was opened in 1989. The museum showcases the history of the prison and many artifacts. Visitors can also find goods made from the prisoners, such as leather wallets, belt buckles, and wooden wall plaques in the gift shop.

Before starting the museum tour, visitors can watch a five-minute video overview of what to expect from the museum. You will notice the benches in the room are the same benches from the Walls Prison Unit. In the same room, you can learn more of stats concerning types of crime and the demographic of prisoners housed in Huntsville units.

Leaving the room, is a miniature replica display of the prison system as seen from a bird’s eye view. This will allow you to gain a sense of the size of the prison compared to buildings around it and to also see the inside. On the wall surrounding this display are plaques detailing how rough the prison system in Huntsville was in the early 1900’s due to overcrowding. That was until General Manager Lee Simmons made positive changes. One of the positive changes was when he created the Texas Prison Rodeo in 1931.

A section on the Texas Prison Rodeo is further ahead which shows how the rodeo helped bring in money for the prison. The rodeo grew so large it attracted many celebrities including Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Dolly Parton. The rodeo eventually ended in 1986 when there was not enough money to repair the stadium.

Simmons’ family has donated some artifacts from his time at the prison, including an album of pictures, that can be found in the museum.

Many famous, and infamous, prisoners have entered the Texas prison system throughout its long history. Stories about some of these prisoners are hanging telling of the crimes they committed. Some of these prisoners include David Crosby, Jack Purvis, and Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman. Of the most infamous is Bonnie and Clyde. You can learn how Simmons eventually brought them down. Many artifacts from Bonnie and Clyde are showcased around the museum including a pistol found in their car.

One important exhibit for visitors to see is about the rehabilitation of prisoners. Visitors can watch a video about how dogs have helped rehabilitate some of the offenders. You can also read more on how offenders can take college classes to learn how to become productive members of society when they are released. This is one of few exhibits concerning the present state of the prisons.

One artifact that attracts many people from around the state is the famous execution chair, ‘Sparky,’ which rests at the center of the museum. The use of the electric chair was used in Texas between 1923 and 1964. Visitors can read more about the history and the 361 prisoners that met their fate in the chair.

Besides the execution chair, many other artifacts from the prisons are showcased throughout the museum. This includes homemade weapons made from items smuggled into the prison. Each stage of prisoner uniforms and restraints from balls and chain to modern handcuffs are displayed. In one corner, there is wood furniture made from the prisoners such as, bed frames, a baby crib, and vanities. License plates and paintings created from some of the prisoners hang on the walls.

Before prisoners on death row are executed, they are allowed to address their victim’s family and give a last statement. Some of these statements are presented for visitors to read as well as comments from the victim’s family.

One of the last exhibits visitors will see is the ‘Great Escape.’ When Raymond Hamilton went to prison for the murder of a police officer, Bonnie and Clyde raided the Eastham prison to set him free. During this raid, a guard was shot and killed. This was when Simmons ordered a shoot to kill order against Bonnie and Clyde. Hamilton was eventually recaptured.

When exiting the museum, visitors have a chance to climb to the top of a mock guard tower.

On the other side of Huntsville, off Bowers Boulevard, lies Captain Joe Byrd Cemetery with over 3,000 inmates buried. A small group of trusted prisoners maintain the cemetery. Visitors can learn more about some of the prisoners buried in the cemetery in the Franklin T. Wilson section in the museum. In 2011, he photographed each grave and studied the history of many of them.