Bozeman in Gallatin County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Gallatin History Museum

(Old County Jail)

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 24, 2021

1. Gallatin History Museum Marker

Inscription. The museum, located next to the Gallatin County Courthouse at 317 West Main, was the former county jail. Along with many museum exhibits showcasing the history of Gallatin County is an historical research library, the photo archives, and one of the largest collections of books on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Built in 1911, the building served as the jail until a new facility was built in 1982. Many of the old jail's features have been preserved, including the gallows, isolation and holding cells, and a visitors cell along with a food pass-through from the adjoining sheriffs residence. The balcony railings were once the old cell bunks. The Gallatin County Historical Society was organized in 1977. The day the prisoners were moved to a new facility on January 26, 1982, the society took over the old jail. preserving and renovating the building.

Erected 2000 by Montana Cultural Trust and The Gallatin County Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Law Enforcement.

Location. 45° 42.721′ N, 111° 3.845′ W. Marker is in Bozeman, Montana, in Gallatin County. Marker is at the intersection of East Valley Center Drive and North 19th Avenue when traveling east on East Valley Center

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Drive. The marker is located at the Bozeman (North 19th Interchange) Rest Area. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4500 East Valley Center Drive, Bozeman MT 59715, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Pioneer Museum (here, next to this marker); First People in the Gallatin Valley (here, next to this marker); Lewis and Clark (a few steps from this marker); Trail Through Time (a few steps from this marker); Fur Trade (within shouting distance of this marker); Valley of Opportunity (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Ellis (within shouting distance of this marker); Bozeman Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bozeman.

More about this marker. This marker seems the have replaced the "Pioneer Museum" maker which was at the same location.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 9, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 9, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 102 times since then and 8 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on March 9, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.