Celebrating 155 Years!

On July 2, 1871, on the western edge of what was then still Montana Territory, a prison was established that would go on to shape the course of the region's history.

Today, 155 years later, the Old Montana Prison stands not only as a preserved landmark but as a powerful reminder of Montana's early struggles, resilience, and transformation.

When the prison first opened its doors, Montana was still rough, growing, and largely untamed. Law enforcement was limited, communities were scattered, and justice was often inconsistent. The creation of the prison marked a turning point--a commitment to order, accountability, and the development of a more structured society.

In those early years, the prison was a far cry from what visitors see today. Built largely by inmate labor, the facility expanded over time into a massive complex of cellblocks, walls, and work areas. Prisoners quarried stone, constructed buildings, and contributed to the very infrastructure that would define the institution for decades. Their labor helped shape not only the prison itself, but also the surrounding community of Deer Lodge.

Over the decades, the Old Montana Prison became known for its strict conditions, notorious inmates, and historic events--including the infamous 1959 prison riot, one of the most significant uprisings in the history of the American prison system. These stories, both harsh and compelling, are part of what makes the site so impactful today.

But the story of the Old Montana Prison is not just one of confinement--it is one of evolution.

What once represented punishment and isolation has been transformed into a place of education, preservation, and reflection. Today, the Old Montana Complex is home to five incredible attractions, each offering a unique window into Montana's past:

• The Old Montana Prison

• Montana Auto Collection

• Yesterday's Playthings

• Frontier Montana

• Powell County Museum

Together, they all tell a broader story--not just of incarceration, but of culture, innovation, and everyday life throughout Montana's history.

As we celebrate 155 years since the prison first opened, we honor not only the structure itself, but the countless lives connected to it--those who were incarcerated, those who worked within its walls, and those who continue to preserve its legacy today.

This anniversary is more than a milestone--it is a reminder of how far we have come, and how important it is to preserve the stories that brought us here.

Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning once again, we invite you to walk the grounds, stand within the walls, and experience the history that continues to live on inside the Old Montana Prison.

155 years later, the story is still being told--and you are a part of it!