Despite the apparent need, there was still no cantonal prison in Graubünden around the year 1800. Even back then, the local population was not enthusiastic about having a prison in their vicinity. At that time, the canton exported its prisoners to facilities outside the region, for example to Oberdischingen in Swabia near Ulm. However, these "exports" were very expensive. Therefore, authorities sought a closer and more cost-effective solution.

In 1817, the canton purchased the Sennhof area in Chur for 11,500 Gulden and established a gaol for the first time. Information on how to operate such an institution, including tips on security, food, and hygiene, was obtained from the canton of Zurich. The intended clientele for this facility, according to the government of Graubünden, were convicts serving multi-year sentences. However, soon there were also male and female inmates with less severe offenses at the Sennhof. Until 1865, the prisoners still had to wear chains.