Jail History in Gallatin County

Before the Gallatin County Jail was moved to South Sixteenth Avenue in 1982, the Gallatin Historical Society proposed to the Gallatin County Commissioners that the old jail, built in 1911, be converted to a museum. When the commissioners agreed to the proposal, a long-term lease was signed by both parties and the museum was born.

The jail building is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was designed and constructed by architect Fred Fielding Willson, a Bozeman native who practiced architecture here from 1909 to 1956.

The jail and museum hosts the history of escapes, a hanging, and mysteries around Gallatin County. Through collecting, preserving, and sharing Gallatin County memories we ignite a sense of appreciation in our collective heritage and inspire ongoing curiosity.