Belly of the Dragon | Kanab

The Idaho State Historical Society is a state agency dedicated to preserving and interpreting Idaho's history, located in Boise, Idaho.

Visual Characteristics

The Idaho State Historical Society is housed within the historic Idaho State Penitentiary building. The structure is primarily constructed of rough-hewn sandstone blocks, giving it a formidable and aged appearance. The main building is a multi-story, rectangular edifice with a central administrative section and radiating cell blocks. Architectural style leans towards utilitarian prison design, characterized by minimal ornamentation, small, barred windows, and a robust, imposing silhouette. The exterior color is a natural, weathered grey-brown of the sandstone.

Location & Access Logistics

The Idaho State Historical Society is situated at 1010 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, Idaho. It is approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) east of downtown Boise. Access is via Old Penitentiary Road, which branches off Warm Springs Avenue. Ample free parking is available on-site in designated lots. Public transport options are limited; the closest bus route is Boise's Valley Ride Route 1, with a stop approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) south of the site, requiring a walk.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Idaho State Penitentiary building was constructed starting in 1870 and was in continuous operation as a correctional facility until 1973. It was built to house the state's growing inmate population and served as a primary penal institution for Idaho. The site itself is situated on a gently sloping hillside overlooking the Boise River valley, a geological formation typical of the Treasure Valley region.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the former cell blocks, including solitary confinement areas and the general population cells. Guided tours are available, detailing the history of the prison and the lives of its inmates and guards. Exhibits focus on Idaho's territorial and statehood periods, law enforcement history, and notable figures. The museum also features rotating exhibits on various aspects of Idaho's past.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the visitor center and museum areas. Limited shaded areas are present in outdoor courtyards. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available on the grounds. No on-site food vendors are present; however, food establishments are located within a 3-kilometer radius in Boise.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is generally mid-morning or late afternoon when the sun angle creates shadows that highlight the building's texture. The best months for visiting are from May through October, offering milder weather for exploring the outdoor elements of the site. No tide considerations apply.

Facts & Legends

A notable historical oddity is the prison's role in housing individuals convicted of crimes ranging from petty theft to murder, including notorious outlaws and political figures during Idaho's territorial era. A persistent local legend speaks of spectral apparitions and unexplained noises within the older cell blocks, attributed to former inmates.

Nearby Landmarks

• Julia Davis Park (2.5km West)
• Boise Art Museum (2.8km West)
• Idaho State Capitol Building (4.0km West)
• Boise River Greenbelt (3.0km Southwest)
• Old Idaho Penitentiary Cemetery (0.2km North)