History Museum
The Old Idaho Penitentiary in Boise operated as a prison from 1872 to 1973 and is now a state historical site and museum managed by the Idaho State Historical Society.
The prison complex, originally surrounded by a 17-foot sandstone wall, grew from a single cell house to several buildings including cell blocks, a chapel, and gallows. Over its 101 years, it housed more than 13,000 inmates, including infamous criminals and women prisoners, and saw over 500 escape attempts. The site has exhibits exploring prison life, architecture, and the penal system's history, including a notable display of arms and armaments ranging from the Bronze Age to the Vietnam War.
Visitors can tour solitary confinement cells, the gallows room, and ruins of the infirmary, gaining insight into the harsh realities of incarceration during that era. The prison closed due to outdated facilities and rising prison populations, and it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. The museum presents a poignant historic experience reflecting Boise’s transition from a rough territorial capital to a modern city.
| Area | 206 ha |
| Address | 2445 Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, ID 83712, United States |
| Phone | +1 208-334-2844 |
| Built | 1870–1872 |
Old Idaho Penitentiary Site is located in Idaho, United States.
Old Idaho Penitentiary Site is situated in the state of Idaho.
The main phone number for the Old Idaho Penitentiary Site is +1 208-334-2844.
The address of Old Idaho Penitentiary Site is 2445 Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, ID 83712, United States.
Yes, Old Idaho Penitentiary Site is family-friendly and attracts visitors of all age groups.
Visitors usually spend a few hours to a full day exploring Old Idaho Penitentiary Site.
Yes, there are several hotels and accommodations near Old Idaho Penitentiary Site in Idaho.
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