Federal Building 1871

Montana's first prison building was constructed on the site of the current Administration Building. The original three story brick and granite structure had fourteen cells and no perimeter fence.

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Two wings were added in the late 1800's that increased the capacity to 98.

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In 1908, a failed escape attempt from the Federal Building left the deputy warden dead, and Warden Frank Conley with 103 stitches on his back and neck. The two inmates involved were George Rock and William Hayes. They were hung in the prison yard. There is a sign marking the spot between stops #8 and #9.

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This structure was demolished in 1931 and replaced with the current Administration Building.