The Folsom Prison Bloody 13: The Big Escape of 1903

On July 27, 1903, spurred into action by inmate Richard 'Red' Gordon, thirteen men attacked their jailers and made a run for freedom.

Folsom Prison had only been open for 20 years and was already one of the toughest and most brutal prisons in the country. It had one major flaw--no walls. A statewide manhunt ensued, following a deadly trail of attacks, kidnappings, and murder. Among the escapees were Joseph Theron and Frank Case, both sentenced to life in prison for robbery, and Joseph Murphy, burglar and poet. Sightings were reported from San Franciso to Reno and in the end, five of the prisoners were never found.

Join author Josh Morgan as he recounts the violence and heroism of Folsom Prison's biggest breakout.