The Angola Prison Rodeo , staged at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, is the longest running prison rodeo in the United States.

The Angola Prison Rodeo , staged at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, is the longest running prison rodeo in the United States. Started in 1964 as a way to channel some violent energy out of the prison walls, the Angola Prison Rodeo is now an iconic event for both the state of Louisiana and the prison systems of old. Housing some 10,000 visitors twice a year, the entirely prison-ran rodeo is one of a kind; and offers spectators a startling but curiously entertaining glimpse into the lives of these hardened convicts.

The Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as “The Farm” or “Angola,” was originally a 18,000 acre farm worked by slaves, possibly from the African nation of Angola. The farm was bought by former Civil War major Samuel James, whose family was under contract with Louisiana to manage the correctional system. Beginning in the late 1800s, James began to house prisoners here from nearby Baton Rouge using abandoned slave quarters still standing. The prison's history is marred by countless instances of harsh and negligent activities, the most famous being the Angola 3 and the Heel-String Gang. Years of less than qualified Wardens and prisoner and correctional officer deaths and beatings gave Angola Prison a reputation of brutality and injustice.

Started in 1964, began as a recreational activity for the inmates and officers, and originally was closed to the public. A few years later, people began to flock to the rodeo and watch from apple crates or car hoods outside of the fence. When its popularity grew, the prison took notice of the economic opportunity and began selling tickets and building seating for the spectators. The Rodeo is still in operation today, 50 years later, the oldest operating prison rodeo in America.