Despite an infamous reputation, written records indicate the prison was humanely administered, and was a model institution for its time.
From 1910 to 1914 the Yuma Union High School occupied the buildings. The mascots of the school were named the "Criminals" or "Crims".
"When the prison was no longer fit to house convicted murders, we sent our high schoolers there." A Yuma Union High School Principal, circa 1968.