Louisiana State Penitentiary Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
This collection includes penitentiary records from 1866 to 1963. This collection includes a seven-volume index of prisoners and 36 volumes registering convicts admitted to the prison. The prison was opened in 1835. Although some early records of inmates were made, they are not complete.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records:


 * Name of prisoner
 * Age, height and weight
 * Physical description including color of eyes, hair and identifying marks
 * Marital status
 * Reason for entry in (offense)ledger


 * Term of imprisonment
 * Level of education
 * Literacy
 * Birth date and place
 * Death date


 * Burial date and place
 * Cause of death
 * Last residence prior to confinement
 * Discharge or transfer date
 * Where transferred to

How Do I Search the Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of the individual
 * The approximate age of the prisoner
 * The years in prison

View the Images
View images in this collection by visiting the :
 * 1) Select the Record
 * 2) Select the Record Type, Volume and Year Range to view the images.

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Use the information found in the record to locate a death record
 * Use the age or estimated birth date to determine an approximate birth date to find vital records such as birth, baptism, and marriage
 * Use the information found in the record to find land, probate and immigration records
 * Use the information found in the record to find additional family members in census records
 * Search for court records

I Can't Find the Person I'm Looking For, What Now?

 * If your ancestor does not have a common name, collect entries for every person who has the same surname. This list can help you find possible relatives
 * If you cannot locate your ancestor in the locality in which you believe they lived, then try searching records of a nearby town or county
 * Try different spellings of your ancestor’s name
 * Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames or alternated between using first and middle names

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the state of Louisiana.
 * Louisiana Guided Research
 * Louisiana Record Finder
 * Research Tips and Strategies
 * Step-by-Step Research

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.