The Yuma Territorial Prison is known for frequent reports of paranormal activity, including the apparitions of inmates, the spirit of a woman near the river, and a child in a red dress. These alleged phenomena are attributed to the suffering within the prison, including the deaths of inmates, an escape attempt in 1887, and inhumane conditions such as the extreme punishment of the "dark cell". Visitors and staff have reportedly seen the spirits of former inmates, some of whom died in harsh conditions within the prison. The drowned child: Stories describe the ghost of a woman wandering the banks of the Colorado River, searching for her daughter who drowned. A small child in a red dress is said to pinch passersby. The prison, known as the "Hellhole of the West," was notorious for its brutal environment, crowded conditions, and primitive facilities, which contributed to the suffering of its inmates. The Dark Cell: This inhumane punishment involved isolating prisoners in a tiny, dark room with no light, toilet, or human contact, serving only bread and water. Several factors contributed to the deaths and intense energy at the prison: At least one prisoner committed suicide by hanging himself in his cell. A riot in 1887 resulted in the deaths of several inmates. Numerous escape attempts, some ending in failure, also occurred.