Have You Seen The Old Idaho Jail?

In 2018, I embarked on an exploration of the Old Idaho Penitentiary, a captivating piece of history nestled on the outskirts of Boise, Idaho. The prison, dating back to 1870, stands as one of only four territorial prisons accessible to the public today. As the centerpiece of my adventure in the region, this site offered a fascinating glimpse into Boise’s evolution from the “wild west” to a mid-20th century capital city.

Picture the imposing 20-foot-tall walls enclosing the Old Idaho Penitentiary, a fortress of concrete and steel where escapes, scandals, and the echoes of a bygone era lingered within its confines for 101 years. Stepping into the prison yard, one could almost sense the weight of history as the steel doors closed behind, transporting visitors back to a time of confinement and struggle.

Within the prison grounds, a cluster of about ten buildings unfolded, each serving a unique purpose. Imagine traversing the property’s expanse during unforgiving winters, moving between structures that once housed the stories of those who found themselves entangled in the harsh reality of incarceration.

Among the highlights was a particular cell block, a multi-level structure that bore witness to the decay of cell doors and the peeling paint on the walls. Standing in this space, one could almost feel the harsh conditions that inmates endured, providing a visceral connection to the past.

Having captured this haunting atmosphere through my lens on two separate occasions, I was consistently struck by the sheer magnitude of raw materials — concrete, steel, and the elements — that were harnessed to confine those within. For anyone in the Boise area, I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to this historical site. It’s an immersive journey into the complexities of the past, where the echoes of confinement and the resilience of the human spirit reverberate through the sturdy walls of the Old Idaho Penitentiary.