The Damascus Pioneer Cemetery dates back to before 1855, though the exact start of burials remains unknown. It officially received its designation as cemetery land in 1876, and by 1895,
Old Idaho Penitentiary
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- Ghost Tours, Historic Site, Intelligent Hauntings, Paranormal Investigations, Residual Hauntings
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The Idaho State Penitentiary opened in 1872 housing over 13,000 inmates during its century of use. Inmates built the first sandstone structures, designed by prisoner George Hamilton. Early conditions were harsh. Sandstone walls trapped extreme heat in summer and cold in winter, causing illness. Severe punishment involved solitary confinement cells known as “Siberia,” dark rooms without furniture, water, or adequate light. Inmates rioted throughout the years causing extensive damage. Prisoners moved to the modern Idaho State Correctional Institution, leaving the current site to become a historical museum.
In solitary confinement cold spots and ghostly figures frequently appear. A male ghost dressed in prison issue gardening clothes has been seen taking care of the plants. Cell House Block 5 has heavy paranormal activity. Raymond Snowden’s spirit gasps near the death chamber, reliving his execution. Douglas Van Vlack drains batteries, appearing as green light. Block 4 and Block 2 have spirits of suicides still serving sentences. A large ghost in Block 2 pushes visitors for amusement. The Multipurpose Building holds residual energy of violent events, including a spirit killed brutally in the shower. Two ghosts, Cora and Harry Orchard, welcome visitors, acting as unpaid museum guides. Apparitions usually emerge here around 3 a.m.
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Old Idaho Penitentiary
- 2445 East Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, Idaho, United States, 83712
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