Old Idaho Penitentiary
Idaho
The Old Idaho Penitentiary, located east of Boise, Idaho, was a functional prison from 1872 until its closure in 1973. Originally built as the Territorial Prison in 1870, it evolved from a single cell house into a complex surrounded by a 17-foot sandstone wall quarried by inmates. Over its 101 years, it housed over 13,000 inmates, including infamous figures like Harry Orchard and Lyda Southard. The penitentiary complex includes several notable buildings such as the New Cell House with its three tiers of steel cells, the Administration Building, and the Women's Ward dormitory. The prison witnessed significant events including multiple riots and executions by hanging, with the Rose Garden area historically serving as the execution site. Today, the site is operated by the Idaho State Historical Society and serves as a museum where visitors can explore the prison yard, learn about inmate life, and see preserved structures reflecting Idaho's transition from its wild west origins to a modern state. The penitentiary is also known for Dennis, a beloved prison cat who lived there for sixteen years and is the only "inmate" buried within the prison walls.
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Consiglio: The Old Idaho Penitentiary is open year-round with summer hours from 10 am to 5 pm and winter hours from 12 pm to 5 pm. Guided tours are available most days for a small additional fee and can be reserved on-site. Self-guided tours are available throughout operating hours. Visitors should consider purchasing admission tickets online in advance to ensure entry. Discounts are offered for seniors, children, AAA members, students, veterans, EBT recipients, and active military personnel. Note that professional photography is restricted during regular hours unless a permit is obtained. Some areas are accessible only by stairs, but visual aids are provided for guests with accessibility needs.
Fatti interessanti
- •Dennis, a kitten found in the prison barn in 1952, lived inside the penitentiary for sixteen years and is the only 'inmate' buried within the prison walls with a headstone.
- •The penitentiary walls are made of sandstone quarried by the inmates themselves from nearby ridges.
- •The New Cell House's third tier was known as 'Death Row' and was located closest to the Rose Garden, the site of several executions.
- •Notorious inmate Lyda Southard, known as Idaho's Lady Bluebeard, was held in the Women's Ward dormitory.
- •The Dining Hall was designed by an inmate, George Hamilton, in 1898.
Storia
The Old Idaho Penitentiary was established in 1870 when Idaho was still a territory, seven years before it achieved statehood.
Initially a single cell house, the prison expanded over the decades to include multiple cell houses, an administration building, and separate facilities for women built in 1920 following scandals involving female inmates.
The penitentiary operated for 101 years, during which it endured several major riots in 1952, 1971, and 1973, the latter leading to its closure and the transfer of inmates to a new facility.
Executions by hanging took place at the site, with the last occurring in 1957.
After closure, the Idaho State Historical Society preserved the site as a historic museum, recording oral histories from former guards and maintaining the original structures and artifacts.
Guida del luogo
New Cell House1889-1890
A three-tiered cell block built between 1889 and 1890 featuring 42 steel cells per tier. The top tier served as Death Row and was adjacent to the Rose Garden execution site.
Women's Ward Dormitory1920
Constructed in 1920 to house female inmates separately after prior scandals. It included two-person cells, a central day room, kitchen, and bathroom facilities.
Administration Building1893-1894
Built in 1893-1894, this building contained the warden's office, armory, visitation room, control room, and turnkey area.
Dining Hall1898
Designed by inmate George Hamilton in 1898, the Dining Hall was a key communal space until it was destroyed in the 1973 riot.
Contatto
Telefono: (208) 334-2844
