History
Also known as the Montana State Prison, this men’s correctional facility opened in 1871. When Montana achieved statehood in 1889, the prison became the primary penal institution for the state. The prison was known to be overcrowded and often lacked the proper funds to keep the facilities up to date. From 1890 to 1921, the prison fared better when the warden started inmate labor projects. These projects resulted in the construction of new prison buildings and walls and provided a variety of community services, such as road building, logging, and ranching. After 1921, the prison began to degrade. A riot broke out in 1959 and the prison was under inmate control for 36 hours until the Montana National Guard restored order. The old prison closed in 1979 when the inmates were moved to a newer prison. Now the prison functions as a museum.
Hauntings
The old prison is now considered one of the most haunted places in Montana. Home to one of the deadliest prison riots in history, as well as several executions and prisoner deaths, this prison is a popular spot for ghost tours and has been featured in several TV shows, including Ghost Adventures and Destination Fear. Those who have visited the prison have felt cold spots and seen mists, shadows, and figures darting about. Some have reported hearing strange sounds and feeling sudden dread inside the prison. Many claim that there is something in solitary confinement that will attempt to attack people by shoving them and whispering things. One group of visitors also reported communicating with a female voice that called herself Nancy. One of the nicer spirits in the prison is Turkey Pete, who was well liked in the time he served there. He was the only person who had a funeral held at the prison and his cell was later turned into a barber shop. Many employees say that Pete is still around.
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