In 1870 Idaho Territory officials determined a new prison should be built to deal with the crime wave the territory experienced during Idaho’s gold rush. The site outside Boise was chosen for its remoteness. Not only did Boise unexpectedly trump Lewiston to become Idaho’s capital, but the stretch of road outside the prison boasted some of the most elegant homes in Boise. As the population around the prison grew so did tensions between the prison and Boise’s wealthiest citizens. Previous: ventilation shaft and new territorial prison.

Idaho State Historical Society