Old Idaho State Penitentiary is an abandoned correctional facility in western Idaho. The correctional facility which has been forsaken for 20 years now was home to 600 inmates (both male and female) for 101 years. The prison is now a museum after it was closed and vacated years ago.

What is the story behind Old Idaho State Penitentiary?

Old Idaho State Penitentiary opened its doors in 1872 with eleven inmates from the Boise County Jail. Formally Built as a territorial prison for Idaho and Lewiston, it changed its intended purpose when Idaho became an independent state changing its name to Idaho State Penitentiary. With only 600 inmates’ capacity, the state penitentiary housed both males and females. The inmates served a major role in the construction of sandstone prisons and repair whenever there was destruction caused by riots.

Fall of the state prison

Idaho State Penitentiary was officially closed and the inmates were transferred to other correctional facilities in the state. This came after numerous riots by inmates condemning poor living conditions and mistreatment from the prison management. The state government of Idaho after a proper investigation ordered its closure as they deemed it to be dehumanizing and unhealthy. 

Paranormal activities

Uncountable abnormal activities are happening around the old state prison. The execution chamber and solitary confinement are the most active of these sinister activities. Several deaths that occurred in the execution chamber and the torturous life the inmates experienced in solitary confinement might be the cause of the eerie feeling in the two most active sections of the prison. Both the tour guides and visitors have attested to witnessing dark entities, strange sounds, and voices in the cell blocks. At the execution chamber, many believe Snowden's spirit (an executed intimately) never left the room.

Turning the State prison into a National Historic site

After years of abandonment, the prison was named a historical landmark and a museum was built in the vicinity. The museum hosts more than two million visitors a year. Although most of the buildings are in a dilapidated state, visitors can still tour the solitary confinement, cell blocks, and gallows. All these places have a history that one would love to learn about.

The future of Idaho State Penitentiary

Idaho state penitentiary is currently still under the ownership of the department of a correctional facility. The state is working on the restoration of the prison and at the same time preserve its originality and authenticity from the 1870s. There are plans of constructing a larger museum inside the prison.