Just yesterday, I was joking about my missed opportunity to pull off a grand heist at the 50,000 Silver Dollar bar, and today I find myself in prison. Why do I feel like the universe is looking at me like 🧐 The lot I stayed in last night was free RV parking for visitors to the museum. Even though I kept alert, it was actually a super safe, comfortable place to stay!
My admission to the prison museum also gets me access to the auto museum, as well as three more museums across the street. It really can be a whole day of exploring, but I only had a couple hours to spare. When I got my ticket, the lady told me to save it because it gets me free admission if I visit again within a year! I’ll definitely come back, and take advantage of that to see all the things!
Old Montana Prision
Gold was discovered in Deer Lodge in 1862. This gold rush brought with it lawlessness, and vigilantes. The Old Montana Prison was built in 1871 to “tame the Wild West” in early Montana Territory (Montana became the 41st state of the USA in 1889.) The prison was in operation until 1979 when a new prison was built to replace it due to underfunding, and overpopulation issues at this location.
A few movies were filmed here, including Fast Walking (1980), Runaway Train (1984), Diggstown (1990), The Last Ride (1994), and Love Comes to the Executioner (2006)
Prison Riots
There were three riots at this prison. The first in 1957, the “Pea Riot”, started when prisoners refused to pick peas, because it was too hot to be working outside. When one inmate was sent to the hole for refusing orders, the rest got to work, however, when one flicked a pea at another prisoner, a full on fight broke out, which spread to other prisoners creating so much destruction, guards were locking themselves in cells for protection. They demanded better living and working conditions, which the warden agreed to and provided promises towards. Within 24 hours, when the riot came to an end, the warden said he never agreed to anything, as he does not negotiate with inmates.
The second riot of 1958, the prisoners instigated a sit-down strike and refused to work or follow orders. The warden shut off the lights and heat, and within 24 hours of freezing in the dark, the prisoners decided to end the strike.
The third, and final 1959 Riot was the longest, bloodiest riot, that lasted for 36 hours, claimed the lives of 3 people, and wounded several others.
Auto Museum Complex
Listed by USA Today as one of the Top 10 Car Museums in the country, there are over 200 cars on display here. I know absolutely nothing about cars, and very nearly skipped checking out this museum, but glad I went ahead and took a peek! There are some seriously cool looking cars in here, vans and campers too!! Here are pics of some of my favorite ones…
Afterwards, I hit the road til I got to my next stop to stay for the night at Columbus Rest Area in Park City, MT. I know its just a rest stop, but this view…its beyond incredible!
Today’s Driving Stats: 224 miles, 4hr 3min