south dakota state penitentiary

historical Photos

The following pictures are of the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls. The date of many of these pictures is unknown. It may take a few seconds for the pictures
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An aerial view of the South Dakota State Pennitentiary, dated 1947.
A view of the Penitentiary from what now is
North Drive in Sioux Falls.
An aerial view of the South Dakota State Pennitentiary, dated 1947.

A close-up of the old Warden's House. Until 1989, state law required the warden to live on the groundsof the Penitentiary. The building is now used for offices.

View of the State Penitentiary from inside the yard

A close-up of the old Warden's House. Until 1989, state law required the warden to live on the grounds of the Penitentiary. The building is now used for Parole Board offices.
View of the State Penitentiary from inside the yard.

A view of the yard at the State Penitentiary

Inmates returning back to the cell blocks from the yard
A view of the yard at the State Penintentiary.
Inmates returning to the cell blocks.

Personnel keep watch on the southeast wall during a prison riot in October 1954.

Staff and onlookers keep watch from outside the walls during a riot in October 1954.

Guards keep watch on the southeast wall during the Riot of October 1954.
Staff and onlookers watch from outside the walls during the Riot of October 1954.
Inmates in the rec yard
The chapel at SDSP
Inmates take part in a softball game in the recreation yard.
A view of the SDSP Chapel.

SDSP Postcard

SDSP Postcard
A postcard featuring the Penitentiary.
 A postcard of the Big Sioux River with the Penitentiary in the background.