El Saguaro

Published from 1963-1970, El Saguaro touted itself as the “Golden West’s Best Penal Newspaper” and was “printed by and for the inmates of the Arizona State Prison by its Print Shop”. The tongue-in-cheek Statement of Publication further explained the purpose of the newspaper and included a listing of newspaper and prison staff.

One of the predecessors to the award winning La Roca newsletter which began in 1974, El Saguaro included news around the prison, including construction news, project and new program information, population statistics, upcoming events, church service and visitation schedules, and staff and inmate news. The lighter side of the newspaper included jokes, editorials, and sports highlights.

Currently, the only issue the State of Arizona Research Library has is from April 3, 1965. We would welcome more issues to add to this collection if any more are located.