In the peaceful little town of Deer Lodge, Montana, stands an imposing fortress of stone and steel that once held some of the roughest, toughest outlaws of the American West. The Old Montana State Prison is more than just a relic of frontier justice—it’s a time capsule of law enforcement, a site of intense human drama, and, according to many, one of the most haunted places in the state. Whether you’re a history buff, thrill-seeking traveler, or a committed ghost hunter, this chillingly fascinating destination offers something unique. From its dark past to its reports of paranormal activity, the Old Montana State Prison invites visitors to walk the cold, echoing corridors where shadows linger and whispers still drift in the silence.
The History
Built From Need: The Beginning of the Old Montana State Prison
Established in 1871, the Old Montana State Prison was Montana Territory’s first prison—long before statehood in 1889. With crime on the rise in the rugged American West, Montana’s fledgling government needed a secure place to hold outlaws and dangerous criminals. The community of Deer Lodge became the chosen location, and inmates themselves began constructing the penitentiary using local materials under strict supervision. Originally consisting of just a few stone cells, the prison expanded over decades into a sprawling, fortress-like complex featuring guard towers, cell blocks, and administrative buildings.
Life inside was harsh. Early inmates faced grueling labor and brutal conditions. Overcrowding became an ongoing issue as Montana’s population grew. The prison’s early stone walls couldn’t keep pace with the rising numbers of criminals, so expansions were made well into the 20th century, transforming the facility into a secure but unforgiving institution.
The Riot of 1959: A Turning Point
One of the most defining and violent moments in the prison’s history took place in April 1959. The infamous prison riot, led by inmates Jerry Myles and Lee Smart, turned deadly when prisoners seized a cell block and took guards hostage. The standoff lasted 36 tension-filled hours as the National Guard surrounded the facility. Ultimately, the riot ended in bloodshed and death—including the murder of Deputy Warden Ted Rothe and the suicides of Myles and Smart. The riot shocked the public and cast a long shadow over the already troubled institution.
The 1959 riot highlighted the need for reforms and sparked a discussion about inmate conditions and prison infrastructure statewide. However, despite the tragedy, the prison remained in operation for another 14 years before finally being shut down in 1973. Inmates were transferred to the new Montana State Prison in nearby Warm Springs, and the Deer Lodge site was decommissioned permanently.
From Lock-Up to Landmark
After its closure, the Old Montana State Prison sat in eerie silence for a time, weathering the elements as it had harsh inmates for over a century. Eventually, preservation efforts by the Powell County Museum and local volunteers helped transform it into a historic site open to public tours. Today, the facility is part of a larger museum complex including the Frontier Montana Museum, the Montana Auto Museum, and the Powell County Museum. Visitors can walk cell-to-cell, explore solitary confinement, and stand in the very corridors where guards once marched.
While the site serves as an invaluable piece of Montana’s history, many visitors leave with more than just educational insight—they leave with chilling stories of what (or who) still lingers behind the prison’s locked-down legacy.
The Haunt
Ghostly Rumors and Resident Spirits
The Old Montana State Prison has developed a reputation far beyond just its architectural and criminological significance. Year after year, paranormal enthusiasts, investigators, and brave-hearted tourists report ghostly encounters, unexplained sounds, and chilling apparitions inside the stone walls.
Among the most famous accounts are echoes of footsteps when no one is present, cell doors opening or slamming shut on their own, disembodied voices whispering, and strange cold spots that seem to move unpredictably. Shadowy figures are often seen pacing near the cells or peering from windows in empty buildings. Some even claim to have felt hands grabbing them, only to turn and find no one there.
Hotspots of Activity
- The Maximum Security Cell Block: One of the most notoriously haunted sections of the prison, visitors frequently report a feeling of dread and oppression here. EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) recordings have captured growling noises and even intelligible responses to questions.
- The Hole (Solitary Confinement): A pitch-black cell used for punished prisoners, the Hole is infamous for its terrifying energy. Many visitors experience dizziness, nausea, and overwhelming fear while inside, often describing it as suffocating even when the door is open.
- The Chapel: Once a place for spiritual reflection, the chapel has its own share of supernatural tales. Guests have heard organ music playing with no instrument in sight, and some have caught glimpses of robed figures walking through the aisles.
The Spirit of Jerry Myles?
A particularly sinister presence is reputed to be the ghost of riot leader Jerry Myles. His life ended violently during the 1959 uprising, and many believe his angry spirit never left. Paranormal teams claim to have encountered aggressive energy near his former cell and in the hallway where the murder of Deputy Warden Rothe occurred. Equipment malfunctions and battery drains are common when investigators enter those areas—classic signs attributed to strong spiritual activity.
Paranormal Investigations and Public Ghost Hunts
The Old Montana State Prison is a well-known destination among ghost hunters, and for good reason. It has welcomed television crews from paranormal documentaries, including Travel Channel’s “Ghost Adventures.” Local and national investigation teams frequently return for overnight lockdowns and evidence gathering. The site staff have embraced this curiosity, even offering organized ghost tours and overnight ghost hunts. If you’re hoping to conduct your own investigation, they allow private rentals after dark—providing a truly immersive and thrilling experience for seasoned paranormal researchers and first-time ghost seekers alike.
Conclusion: Ghost Hunters Wanted
If you’re looking for authentic paranormal adventure combined with a rich tapestry of American frontier history, the Old Montana State Prison is calling your name. With its towering stone walls, eerie nighttime ambiance, and decades of reports detailing supernatural encounters, it’s both an educational journey and a ghost-hunting dream. Whether you’re hoping to catch an EVP in solitary, snap a photo of a shadowy figure, or simply soak in the chilling energy of a 150-year-old penitentiary, this is the kind of bone-chilling adventure you won’t soon forget.
Pack your EMF reader, bring your sense of curiosity (and courage!), and step inside the haunted halls of Montana’s most storied prison. The ghost stories are still being written—will your visit add a new chapter?