Deer Lodge in Powell County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

1912 Cell House

Old Montana Prison

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 10, 2013

1. 1912 Cell House Marker

Inscription. To ease increasing overcrowded conditions, the 1912 Cell House was constructed, adding two hundred cells to the prison complex. Erected in only eleven months using convict labor, the cell house was a model facility for its day. Each cell had running water, a flush toilet, and good ventilation.

During yard time, this corner of the cell house was popular with the inmates. Many immortalized their prison stay by carving their names on the cell house wall. A urinal and water fountain were added as yard time and recreation were increased. By design, most locations in the yard were visible from at least two guard towers. Since this semi-hidden nook was only visible from one tower and there were always several inmates congregating here, it provided a location for contraband and drug transactions.

Erected by Old Montana Prison Museum.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1912.

Location. 46° 23.583′ N, 112° 44.18′ W. Marker is in Deer Lodge, Montana, in Powell County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Main Street (Business U.S. 90) and Texas Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located on the Old Montana Prison grounds, beside the sidewalk, near

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the main 1912 Cell House entrance on the west side of the southwest tower. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1106 Main Street, Deer Lodge MT 59722, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Execution of George Rock (within shouting distance of this marker); 1959 Riot (within shouting distance of this marker); Siberia East (within shouting distance of this marker); 1931 Administration Building (within shouting distance of this marker); 1870-1931 Federal Building (within shouting distance of this marker); 1896 Cell House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Montana Prison (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Electrified Railroad (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Deer Lodge.

More about this marker. Marker is a large, laser-printed metal plaque, mounted horizontally on a waist-high post.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Old Montana Prison

Also see . . .
1. History of Montana's State Penitentiary. The Cell House contains eight galleys, four galleys per side. Each galley contains twenty-five cells, for a total of 200 cells. The design of the Cell House was influenced by the Auburn system of prison administration which was based on the idea of solitary confinement at night, hard work during the day, and silence

1912 Cell House Marker (<i>tall view; base of southwest tower in background</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 10, 2013

2. 1912 Cell House Marker (tall view; base of southwest tower in background)

at all times. This system was used until the early fifties. Overcrowding eventually made it necessary to house two inmates per cell. Inmates were not allowed to talk during meals, during work, or from cell to cell. (Submitted on December 25, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Montana State Prison. The building was made of cut granite and prison-made brick, could house 400 prisoners in 200 cells along two corridors of four tiers of 25 cells each, and came complete a door-locking system which could open any combination of doors simultaneously. (Submitted on December 25, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

1912 Cell House (<i>Southwest tower & main entrance; view from near marker</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 10, 2013

3. 1912 Cell House (Southwest tower & main entrance; view from near marker)

1912 Cell House (<i>west side; view from near marker</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 10, 2013

4. 1912 Cell House (west side; view from near marker)

1912 Cell House (<i>southeast tower</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 10, 2013

5. 1912 Cell House (southeast tower)

1912 Cell House (<i>east side</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 10, 2013

6. 1912 Cell House (east side)

1912 Cell House (<i>north End & prison wall; from outside the prison</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 10, 2013

7. 1912 Cell House (north End & prison wall; from outside the prison)

Credits. This page was last revised on December 29, 2018. It was originally submitted on December 24, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 201 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 25, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 7. submitted on December 27, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.