The Prison Mirror, a newspaper completely published within the confines of the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Stillwater, first started as a weekly publication under the guidance of Cole, Robert, and James Younger, infamous members of the James-Younger Gang.
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August 10, 1887 marked the first publication of the Prison Mirror, a newspaper completely published within the confines of the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Stillwater. It first started as a weekly publication under the guidance of Cole, Robert and James Younger, infamous members of the James-Younger gang. The brothers, who were serving life sentences, played pivotal roles in its founding and early editorial direction. The newspaper aimed to be financially self-sustaining, with all of the proceeds above operational costs being directed towards expanding the prison's library. The publication has gotten recognition for the quality of its writing, winning accolades like the best prison newspaper in the US on multiple occasions. Beyond its immediate impact within the prison walls, several former contributors have gone on to publish books and achieve recognition in the literary world, underscoring the mirror's enduring influence and significance. Special commemorative editions marked key milestones in its history, including the centennial in 1987 and the 125th anniversary in 2012
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