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
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
this page online
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 at all times. This system was
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 10, 2013
2. 1912 Cell House Marker (tall view; base of southwest tower in background)
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.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 10, 2013
3. 1912 Cell House (Southwest tower & main entrance; view from near marker)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 10, 2013
4. 1912 Cell House (west side; view from near marker)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 10, 2013
5. 1912 Cell House (southeast tower)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 10, 2013
6. 1912 Cell House (east side)
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 164 times since then and 18 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.
