Louisiana State Penitentiary Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

United States Louisiana

What is in the 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?
Information in these records may vary; however, they generally include the following:


 * 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

Sample Images
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