Old Idaho Penitentiary in Boise – Legends of America
The Old Idaho Penitentiary, a chilling landmark etched into the landscape east of Boise, Idaho, stands as a stark reminder of the state’s tumultuous past. From 1872 to 1973, it served as a functional prison, a repository of hardened criminals and a silent witness to the unfolding dramas of human confinement. Today, this formidable structure has been reborn as a captivating historic site, beckoning visitors to delve into its shadowed corridors and unravel the tales of those who once called it home.
A Fortress Forged by Convict Hands
In 1870, when the Idaho Territory was still in its nascent years, the need for a secure correctional facility became paramount. Thus, the Old Idaho Penitentiary was conceived, rising from the rugged terrain east of Boise. Initially, it was a solitary cell house, but it gradually evolved into a sprawling complex, characterized by an array of distinctive buildings all enclosed within towering sandstone walls.
The very stones that formed the penitentiary’s imposing walls were quarried by the inmates themselves from the nearby ridges. This grueling labor not only provided the raw materials for construction but also served as a constant reminder of their captivity. With each swing of the hammer and each chipped stone, the prisoners were actively contributing to their own confinement.
Echoes of Turmoil: Riots and Resistance
The Old Idaho Penitentiary was not merely a place of confinement; it was also a cauldron of simmering tensions. Over the years, the harsh living conditions and the oppressive atmosphere ignited a series of violent uprisings. In May 1952, August 1971, and March 1973, the prison erupted in riots, fueled by the inmates’ desperate cries for better treatment and improved circumstances.
These riots were not isolated incidents but rather symptoms of a deeper malaise that plagued the penitentiary. Overcrowding, inadequate resources, and a lack of rehabilitation programs all contributed to the inmates’ sense of hopelessness and desperation. The riots served as a stark reminder of the human cost of incarceration and the need for prison reform.
A Final Chapter: Closure and Preservation
By 1973, the Old Idaho Penitentiary had reached the end of its functional life. The aging facility was deemed inadequate to meet the demands of modern corrections, and a new state correctional institution was built south of Boise. On December 3, 1973, the 416 resident inmates were transferred to the new facility, and the Old Idaho Penitentiary was officially closed.
However, the story of the Old Idaho Penitentiary did not end with its closure. Recognizing its historical significance, the site was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring its preservation for future generations. The penitentiary was reborn as a living museum, a place where visitors could step back in time and experience the harsh realities of life behind bars.
The Inmates: A Cross-Section of Society
Over its century of operation, the Old Idaho Penitentiary housed more than 13,000 convicts, representing a diverse cross-section of society. Among them were murderers, robbers, forgers, and petty thieves. The penitentiary served as a melting pot of human experience, where individuals from all walks of life were thrown together under the common banner of incarceration.
Two inmates, in particular, stand out for their notoriety: Harry Orchard and Lyda Southard. Orchard was a notorious assassin who murdered former Governor Frank Steunenberg in 1905. Southard, on the other hand, was known as Idaho’s Lady Bluebeard for her alleged killing of several of her husbands to collect their life insurance. These two figures, though vastly different in their crimes, represent the darker side of human nature and the extremes to which some individuals are driven.
A Window into the Past: The Modern-Day Penitentiary
Today, the Old Idaho Penitentiary is operated by the Idaho State Historical Society as a captivating tourist attraction. The site offers visitors a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a 19th-century prison, providing a powerful and often unsettling experience.
Visitors can walk through the courtyards, explore the cells, and stand beneath the gallows, imagining the lives of those who once lived and died within these walls. They can also visit the "coolers," where prisoners were sentenced to solitary confinement, and feel the chilling isolation that these spaces once held.
The visit begins with a video presentation that recounts the prison’s history, introduces its notorious inmates, and depicts the daily routines of prison life. As visitors wander through the foreboding sandstone cell houses, they can contrast the harshness of the prison environment with the surprising beauty of the historic rose gardens. The gardens, planted by inmates over the years, serve as a reminder of the human desire for beauty and connection, even in the darkest of circumstances.
Exhibits are located throughout the site, providing further insights into the prison’s history and the lives of its inmates. Visitors can learn about the various prison industries, the types of punishments meted out, and the attempts at rehabilitation that were made over the years.
The Old Idaho Penitentiary is open to visitors year-round, and admission is charged for the tour. It is a place where history comes alive, where the stories of the past resonate with the present, and where visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the human condition.
Contact Information:
Old Idaho Penitentiary
2445 Old Penitentiary Road
Boise, Idaho
The Old Idaho Penitentiary stands as a testament to the enduring power of history. It is a place where the past is not forgotten but rather brought to life, allowing visitors to confront the complexities of human nature and the challenges of the criminal justice system. It is a journey into the shadows, a glimpse into the lives of those who were confined, and a reminder of the importance of preserving our past for future generations.