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Free Traveling Guides » States » Idaho » Destinations Old Idaho Penitentiary
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Idaho Penitentiary is one of the historic buildings in Boise, Idaho. Starting from a single cell in the year 1870, Old Idaho Penitentiary grew into an enormous structure in a couple of years. Built by the inmates themselves, this prison has hand-cut sandstone buildings and lofty walls.
Today it has turned into a captivating museum that walks you through the cell houses, gallows, Death Row, and solitary confinement cabins named “Siberia”. Contrary to the murky indoors, a beautiful rose garden full of colorful and vibrant roses is present outdoors. A video presentation and a self guided tour shed light on the lives of some of the notorious prisoners making the Old Idaho Penitentiary one of the most informative prison tours in the country. The interpretive programs have volunteers narrating tales of prisoners, escape, detention, and prison life. Over 13,000 prisoners had served their term within the walls of this prison until the year 1973, when the inmates revolted against the difficult conditions in the complex and were shifted to a modern prison located south of Boise.
Within the boundaries of Old Idaho Penitentiary, an electricity museum displaying old electrical appliances and The Idaho Transportation Museum showcasing a wide range of transportation modes, early vehicles, including horse drawn carriages make for interesting trips. Another attraction is the J. Curtis Earl Arms Collection that features arms from the ancient Bronze Age to contemporary automatic weapons.
Old Idaho Penitentiary has an important place in the history of Idaho and the visit will help you relate to the people and their lives, existing over a hundred years in the past.
- Address: 2445 Old Penitentiary Road,
Boise, ID 83712
- Telephone: (208) 368-6080
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