Siblings embark on unique prison tour across states

John and Mary Smith, siblings from Carson City, Nevada, embarked on an intriguing summer journey to explore historic prisons across several states, driven by John’s interest in criminology and social work. Their adventure began with a visit to the old Idaho Penitentiary in Boise, which operated from 1872 to 1973 and remains preserved for public tours.

Continuing their trip, the duo visited the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge, which functioned from 1871 until 1979, and also remains intact for visitors. In Wyoming, they discovered two preserved facilities: the Wyoming Territorial Prison in Laramie, built in 1872, and the Wyoming State Penitentiary in Rollins, which opened in 1901 and closed in 1981. Both prisons left a lasting impression on the siblings, who appreciated the efforts of state and civic leaders in preserving these historical sites.

Their travels also included notable tours in Canyon City, Colorado, Old Main in New Mexico, and Yuma, Arizona, where they expressed gratitude for the foresight of officials who saved these prisons from demolition. However, their excitement turned to disappointment upon reaching Utah, where they found no preserved historic prisons. John and Mary learned that local leaders, including the mayor of Draper, had actively opposed preservation efforts, leaving Utah without a single historic prison to visit.

Reflecting on their journey, the Smiths lamented the lack of preservation in Utah, highlighting a stark contrast to the neighboring states that had successfully maintained their prison histories. Their trip underscored the importance of civic engagement in preserving cultural heritage, leaving them with a sense of loss for what could have been in their home state.