Step inside the historical Kansas State Penitentiary
Behind these walls, time stands still. The historic Kansas State Penitentiary tour is a guided journey into the stories, spaces, and echoes of one of Kansas’ most historic institutions.
Choose Your Experience
Behind the Walls Historical Tour Approximately 2 hours Cost $30 A guided walk-through focusing on history, architecture, and life inside the walls.
Behind the Walls Photography Tour Approximately 3 hours Cost $40 Designed strictly for photography, this tour allows extended time for composition, lighting, and capturing details rarely seen. The Photography Tour is quiet, intentional, and focused solely on capturing the site.
Tour Size & Guests
Tours include 15–20 guests
You do not need to arrive as part of a group—individual visitors are always welcome.
Everyone tours together; all guests are taken through the same areas.
What to Expect
This tour does involve a lot of walking.
Guests move through the site at a steady, manageable pace.
Knowledgeable guides lead you through cell houses and historic spaces, sharing stories that go far beyond the walls themselves.
Before You Arrive
Please arrive early for check-in.
Comfortable shoes are recommended.
All guests must follow guide instructions for safety and preservation of the site.
Behind the Walls, History Lives On
This is more than a tour—it is a journey into another time, where history surrounds you at every turn. The past is not just remembered here; it is embedded in the stone walls and steel bars, echoing through the corridors and etched into every surface.
“Honorable Turner W. Bell, the greatest Habeas Corpus Lawyer of the West,” proclaimed the Kansas City Sun in an article covering Bell’s defense of three labor union dynamiters. The title would follow him throughout a remarkable 61-year legal career during which he handled more than 1,400 habeas corpus cases. Over the course of his practice, Bell appeared before courts of appeal in eight judicial districts, building a reputation that extended far beyond Kansas.
Turner William Bell was born into slavery on April 1, 1857, in Corinth, Mississippi, according to his death records. He was the second eldest of eleven children who survived to adulthood.
When the Civil War erupted, Corinth became a strategic focal point for both Union and Confederate forces. Two major rail lines intersected in the town’s center—the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, running east and west, and the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, running north and south—making it a crucial transportation hub.
Following the Battle of Corinth, Bell’s father, Peter Bell, gained his freedom. According to the Department of Iowa Grand Army of the Republic, Peter enlisted as a private in the 110th United States Colored Infantry and was mustered out of service in 1865. After the war, the Bell family relocated to Dallas County, Iowa.
They settled on a farm near Adel in a largely Quaker community where young Turner attended school. He excelled academically, graduating with honors from high school and later earning his law degree from Drake University. Bell made history as the first African American to be sworn into the Iowa Bar Association.
There are differing accounts of when Bell joined the Leavenworth County Bar. He first appears in the 1887 Leavenworth City Directory with a law office at 416 Delaware Street. However, several newspaper reports state that Judge William C. Hook swore him into the Leavenworth County Bar in 1886.
In the years that followed, Bell maintained offices at various downtown Leavenworth locations—several of which still stand today. From this professional base, Bell devoted himself to what he once referred to as his “hobby”: securing freedom for those unlawfully imprisoned. It is estimated that he helped free more than 1,500 individuals through writs of habeas corpus. Today, habeas corpus remains a fundamental legal tool used to restore liberty to individuals held in state or federal custody.
By 1915, Bell’s office was located in the prestigious Wulfekuhler Building, where he practiced alongside other attorneys. The city directory of that year lists him as the only “colored” attorney practicing law in Leavenworth.
In 1918, Bell joined the newly organized Kansas Defense Society as legal counsel. The society, formed to “test the constitutional rights of the race along civil, political and other lines that may be necessary to bring about justice and sentiment in behalf of the race in this country,” was reported in the Topeka Plaindealer on November 29, 1918.
The Kansas Defense Society emerged in response to the court-martial and execution of 19 soldiers from the 24th Infantry following the 1917 Houston Riots. A military court at Fort Sam Houston convicted 118 enlisted men; 63 were sentenced to life imprisonment at the Federal Penitentiary in Leavenworth. Bell filed a writ of habeas corpus before the United States Supreme Court, arguing that the court-martial proceedings did not comply with established military law and that the men were not performing soldierly duties at the time of the riot, nor was the nation formally at war. His arguments were reported in The Leavenworth Times on May 23, 1920.
Through the combined efforts of Bell and Congressman D.R. Anthony, Jr., of Leavenworth, the life sentences of these men were eventually commuted to terms of ten to fifteen years.
Bell married Elizabeth “Lizzie” Patterson in Leavenworth in January 1890. Lizzie became an active figure in social and political circles. In 1909, she was elected president of the State Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs, and in 1915 she served as a delegate to the Northwestern Federation of States for Colored Women in Chicago. Lizzie’s mother, Martha, lived with the Bells at 744 Kickapoo Street until her death in 1924 at the age of 100. In July 1920, The Leavenworth Times reported that Martha had walked from her home to the Leavenworth County Courthouse to register to vote following passage of the 19th Amendment, then walked home after resting—a powerful testament to civic determination.
Turner W. Bell continued practicing law well into advanced age, eventually becoming the oldest member of the Leavenworth County Bar. He died on August 25, 1948, at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy defined by justice, constitutional advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to liberty.
More than 100 Kansas Highway Patrol, as well as local law enforcement, lined Kansas Street.
In the early morning hours of June 18, 1969, the Kansas State Penitentiary was already tense. The night before, prison officials had conducted a rare general shakedown, searching cell houses for contraband. Cells were entered, property was removed, and inmates were kept awake well into the night. By morning, exhaustion and frustration hung heavily inside the walls.
After breakfast, inmates were sent to their regular work assignments. It was then that the unrest surfaced. Windows were smashed in two cell houses, and small fires were set, signaling that order inside the prison had begun to break down. What had simmered through the night now erupted in daylight.
Law enforcement quickly responded. More than 100 Kansas Highway Patrol troopers, along with officers from Lansing, Leavenworth, and Leavenworth County, surrounded the penitentiary as staff worked to regain control. Inside the walls, the electrical cell-locking system was badly damaged, complicating efforts to restore order.
During the disturbance, one inmate was shot in the arm by a tower guard attempting to disperse a group of rioting inmates in the yard. No hostages were taken, and the situation was eventually contained.
Prison officials later reported that the shakedown had resulted in the removal of large quantities of contraband, including weapons, drugs, money, and unauthorized furniture—items that had quietly accumulated over time. The events of that morning reflected not just a single incident, but a breaking point shaped by exhaustion, sudden enforcement, and the broader unrest common in American prisons during the late 1960s.
The historic Kansas State Penitentiary offers special group tours designed for schools, colleges, community organizations, educational programs, and similar organized groups.
These tours are available for groups of 15 or more participants and are offered at a discounted rate of $20 per person. Each group tour is private, meaning only your group will be on the tour.
To book a qualifying group tour, visit KSP Tour Tickets on our website. When prompted, select KDOC to reserve the $20 per person group rate.
Advance registration and payment are required for all group tours. Because tour availability can be affected by unexpected or random bookings, planning ahead allows us to properly schedule guides and ensure a quality experience for your group.
For questions about group tours or scheduling, please contact us before booking at info@lansingkansashistory.com.
The Kansas State Penitentiary, established by the Kansas Territorial Legislature in 1859, is one of the nation’s oldest prisons and offers a remarkable opportunity to explore over 160 years of rich history. This historic site stands as a testament to the evolution of the American justice system. The compelling stories of those who lived and worked within its formidable walls are shared by former correctional officers, assistant wardens, wardens, and local historians.
Historical Significance: The Kansas State Penitentiary is more than just a building; it symbolizes Kansas’ early statehood and the challenges of establishing law and order on the frontier. Opening shortly after Kansas became a state, this prison has witnessed significant events from the Civil War to the modern era, with each period leaving its mark on its history.
Architectural Marvel: The prison’s imposing limestone structures, quarried and constructed by early inmates, reflect the craftsmanship of that era. As you walk the grounds, you can almost hear echoes of the past—the sound of hammers in the stone quarries, voices from the chow hall, and even the performances that once took place within its walls.
Personal Narratives: The untold stories of inmates, staff, and their families provide a rich tapestry of experiences that highlight themes of rehabilitation, resilience, and human struggles. Educational programs often include personal accounts from former staff or historians who can elaborate on the complexities of life inside the prison. This aspect brings a personal touch to the factual history, making it more relatable and engaging.
Cultural Connections: The facility is also a significant piece of cultural history, having hosted performances from iconic musicians, like Johnny Cash and his wife, June Carter Cash during the early 1970’s to hosting the annual “Behind the Walls” car show the last weekend in September.
Interactive Learning: Guided tours by former correctional officers can offer engaging learning opportunities for students, history enthusiasts, and the general public. These experiences can include interactive exhibits, discussions, and even workshops that delve deeper into the societal implications of incarceration and reform.
Overall, the historic Kansas State Penitentiary stands as an educational resource, inviting reflection on justice, history, and human experience. It encourages visitors to engage thoughtfully with the complexities of the past while considering their relevance to contemporary issues.
The Lansing Historical Society and Museum is situated on the Kansas State Penitentiary grounds, serving as a vital center for the local community’s history. It focuses on preserving and sharing the unique heritage of Lansing and the surrounding Delaware Township, with significant emphasis on the roles of railroads, prisons, and coal mining in shaping the area.
The Museum Experience
Housed in a meticulously restored 1887 Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway depot, the museum is more than just a display of artifacts; it offers a rich, immersive experience through local history. Visitors can explore an extensive collection of photographs and historical documents, including school images dating back to 1908, providing a comprehensive understanding of the region’s past.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Lansing Historical Society is to safeguard and share the rich history of Delaware Township, including the City of Lansing and the town of Progress. Through our collections and exhibits, we aim to preserve authentic historical materials and broaden the public’s awareness of local stories.
Trains and Trolleys
The museum highlights the profound impact of the transcontinental railroad on the nation’s growth during the Civil War. Notable railroads, including the Kansas City-Western Railway Co., traversed through towns in Delaware Township, connecting communities and fueling economic development. The museum’s collection includes railroad maps, documents, timetables, and photographs that chronicle this important aspect of local history.
The Coal Mines
Established in 1859 by the Kansas Territorial Legislature, the Kansas State Penitentiary is one of the oldest correctional institutions in the U.S., designed by local architect Erasmus T. Carr. The facility significantly influenced the development of the area, fostering the growth of the nearby Town of Progress. From 1944 to 1965 it conducted hangings for capital punishment with notable cases including those of Lowell Andrews and the Clutter family murderers, Perry Smith and Richard Hickock, whose stories are immortalized in Truman Capote’s novel, “In Cold Blood.” Smith and Hickock were hung April 15, 1965 followed by George Lathrop and James York two months later on the 22 June.
The discovery of coal in Delaware Township led to the establishment of several coal mines, including Carr, Brighton, and the Kansas State Penitentiary. KSP not only utilized its coal resources to power its operations but also supplied fuel to numerous state buildings, highlighting the prison’s role in the states economy.
Kansas State Penitentiary
The The infamous gallows once occupied a corner of the warehouse before being dismantled and acquired by the Kansas State Historical Society.
Perry Edward Smith
October 27, 1928 – April 14, 1965
Richard Eugene Hickock
June 6, 1931 – April 14, 1965
History of Delaware Township
Two women dash before the camera at the intersection of Main and Richardson Road in Lansing. Richardson was later renamed Eisenhower Road.
Delaware Township is the historical heart of the Lansing region, encompassing several former towns, such as Progress, Brighton, and Wadsworth. The township’s history includes the development of the Brighton Mine and the flourishing agricultural sectors, like the Ryan Brothers Cattle Farm, highlighting the diverse economic landscape of the area from the late 19th century to today.
The Lansing Historical Society and Museum plays a crucial role in preserving this intricate tapestry of history, ensuring that future generations can learn about and appreciate the rich legacy of their community.
A Chapter of Our History Preserved by the Lansing Historical Society
On this day, we remember Truman Capote, born September 30, 1924. Best known for his groundbreaking work “In Cold Blood,” Capote spent time at the Kansas State Penitentiary while researching the lives of Richard Hickock and Perry Smith, the two men convicted of the Clutter Family murders. He referred to the penitentiary as a “turreted black-and-white palace.” Capote’s visits here were pivotal – without them, In Cold Blood would not have become the landmark of American literature that it is today. Though no scenes from the book’s film adaptation were shot inside KSP, the penitentiary’s history is deeply entwined with the story. Capote is a part of our community’s history, and the Lansing Historical Society and Museum is proud to preserve and share this chapter through our exhibits and tours of the historic Kansas State Penitentiary. Book your tour before the season ends on November 9, 2025.
In 1859, the Kansas Territorial Legislature took a significant step by establishing a state penitentiary in Leavenworth County. A 40-acre tract was acquired in Delaware Township, paving the way for the Kansas State Penitentiary. This decision came despite the fervent opposition of Leavenworth residents who voiced strong concerns about the location. At that time, the area was seen as remote and isolated, lacking any nearby towns except for the tiny community of Delaware to the east. The establishment of this institution marked a pivotal moment in the region’s history, as it set the stage for future development, even in the face of local resistance.
The original architectural design of the Kansas State Penitentiary was the work of Erasmus T. Carr, who began planning the structure in 1861. Drawing inspiration from the Gothic-style Illinois State Prison at Joliet, Carr incorporated striking Gothic architectural elements into the facility’s design — both for their imposing visual effect and their symbolic expression of law and order.
The administrative building featured four distinctive turrets, one at each corner, giving the structure a castle-like appearance. Matching turrets and Gothic elements were also integrated into each corner of the North and South Cell Houses, reinforcing the symmetry and stylistic consistency across the front façade.
The prison was built primarily from locally quarried limestone, with the inmates themselves performing the majority of the labor. In a testament to resourcefulness and regional craftsmanship, the material used as mortar between the limestone blocks was sourced from the Missouri River. During rainy years, when the river rose and covered nearby sandbars, construction often paused until the sandbars reemerged and materials could be gathered again.
This fusion of Gothic Revival design and frontier practicality created one of the most imposing and historically significant prison structures in the Midwest.
His Gothic-style architectural vision gave rise to the castles-like appearance that Truman Capote, in his book In Cold Blood, described the penitentiary as a “black and white castle,” capturing its imposing and eerie beauty. The look was further intensified by the presence of an on-site coal mine, which operated from 1881 to 1947.
While the penitentiary has retained much of its historical integrity, the original front, once covered in green vines and vegetation, is now boarded by modern fencing and Constantine wire, offering a sharp contrast to its 19th-century past.
Step behind the stone walls of the historic Kansas State Penitentiary in Lansing—where every corridor echoes with the footsteps of men who would never walk free again.
On this unforgettable tour, you’ll stand inside the very cells that held inmates serving life for murder. You’ll peer into the cold, dark corners of segregation, where the worst of the worst were kept—some awaiting their turn on death row.
This isn’t just a tour. It’s a journey into the past… into the minds of the condemned… and into the heart of a prison that has seen over a century of secrets, sorrow, and survival.
Are you ready to walk where they walked? Book your tour today—and experience history from the inside.
