Folsom History has announced a special event featuring author Josh Morgan as he comes to the Folsom History Museum July 10 to discuss the notorious 1903 Folsom Prison escape. The event is part of the local presentation on Morgan’s newly published book, The Folsom Prison Bloody 13: The Big Escape of 1903.
Morgan’s book delves into the history of Folsom Prison and the dramatic events leading up to the escape. He narrates the tale of Richard “Red” Gordon and twelve other inmates who attacked their jailers and made a daring run for freedom. The escape led to a statewide manhunt marked by violence and tragedy. Among the escapees were notable figures such as Joseph Theron and Frank Case, both serving life sentences for robbery, and Joseph Murphy, a burglar and poet. While some of the prisoners were recaptured, five were never found.
The event offers attendees a chance to learn about this gripping chapter in local history and the flaws in the prison system at the time. Morgan will also discuss his research and the personal stories of the escapees.
Books will be available for purchase, and Morgan will be signing copies after his presentation. Tickets for the event are $15, with a discounted price of $12 for members of Folsom History. Tickets can be purchased here.
Josh Morgan resides in the nearby Sierra Nevada foothills with his wife and two daughters. An avid trail runner and explorer of Northern California, Morgan’s family roots in the region date back to the 1860s. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of the Pacific and works at Sierra College.
Arcadia Publishing is the nation’s leading publisher of books on local nonfiction and rarely explored pockets of history. Their mission is to connect people with their past, their communities, and one another through a catalog of thousands of titles exploring America’s diverse history.
The Folsom Prison Bloody 13: The Big Escape of 1903 is published by Arcadia Publishing under The History Press imprint. The book (ISBN: 9781467155939) was released on June 3, 2024, and is priced at $24.99. The July 10 event takes place at the Folsom History Museum at 823 Sutter St. The event will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. For additional information on the upcoming event, visit www.folsomhistory.org where you can now reserve tickets.
