Old Idaho Penitentiary Site
In Boise, Idaho, the Old Idaho Penitentiary Site is a living museum that gives visitors a unique look at the history of the American West. The site opened in 1870 and stayed open for more than a hundred years before it shut down in 1973. Today, it stands as a reminder of how hard things were in the past and as a sign of how strong the people who lived through it were.
The Old Idaho Penitentiary was more than just a prison. It was also a place where people were punished, changed, and helped to get better. Several buildings, like the cellblocks, the administration building, and the Warden’s house, are on the site. Visitors can look around these buildings and see what life was like for prisoners and staff.
The cellblocks are one of the most interesting parts of the Old Idaho Penitentiary. These buildings are made of sandstone and look eerie and beautiful at the same time. People can walk through the cellblocks and look at the small, dirty cells where prisoners were kept. Each cell is small and was built to hold only one prisoner. The conditions were bad, and many of the prisoners were malnourished, didn’t get medical care, and were beaten by guards.
Another important building on the site is the administration building. This building was where the warden, the guards, and the people in charge of running the prison worked. Visitors can see the warden’s office, which has old furniture and other things from the past. Inmates could go to religious services and find comfort in their faith at the chapel, which was part of the administration building.
Another interesting building on the site is the Warden’s house. The warden and his family lived in this building, which was made to be a comfortable and roomy home. Visitors can see the kitchen, the living room, and the study of the warden. The Warden’s house shows that the prison wasn’t just a place where people went to get punished. It was also a place where people lived and worked.
There are many programs and events at the Old Idaho Penitentiary Site all throughout the year. The goal of these programs is to teach people about the past of prison and the American West. Some of the programs are guided tours, demonstrations of living history, and special events, like the Halloween Frightened Felons.
The site also has a museum with artifacts and displays about the history of the prison. People can look at things like prison uniforms, shackles, and weapons that guards used. The museum also has displays that people can interact with to learn more about how inmates and staff lived.
The story of Raymond Allen Snowden is one of the most well-known ones about the Old Idaho Penitentiary. In 1956, Snowden was found guilty of murder and given a death sentence. He was the last person to be put to death in prison, and his story has become part of Boise’s folklore. Visitors can see the gallows where Snowden was hanged and learn more about his life and crimes.
The Old Idaho Penitentiary Site is a very important part of Idaho’s history and culture. It gives visitors a unique chance to learn about the past and think about how far corrections have come. The site is a reminder that the criminal justice system has not always been fair and just, and that there is still a lot of work to be done to make sure that everyone is treated with respect and dignity.
For anyone interested in the history of the American West, the Old Idaho Penitentiary Site in Boise, Idaho, is a fascinating and thought-provoking place to visit. It is a must-see for history buffs, families, and anyone who wants to learn more about the past. It has beautiful sandstone buildings, haunting cells, and educational programs. The site is a strong reminder of how hard things were in the past and how important it is to work for a more fair and just society in the future.
People who are interested in the supernatural also like to go to the Old Idaho Penitentiary Site. Many visitors and staff members have said they heard footsteps and voices, saw apparitions, and felt cold spots that they couldn’t explain. Some people think that the site is still haunted by the spirits of former inmates and staff. The site has been on a few shows about investigating ghosts, which adds to its mystery and appeal.
Overall, the Old Idaho Penitentiary Site is a unique and important place to visit that shows visitors how the history of the American West and the criminal justice system has changed over time. Its well-kept buildings, educational programs, and interesting displays make it a place that everyone who visits Boise, Idaho, should go to. The Old Idaho Penitentiary Site will make an impression on you whether you are interested in history, architecture, or ghosts.