The Fortress at Walla Walla

On the 31st of January, 1885, the Governor approved an act 'to provide for the permanent location and construction of a territorial penitentiary at Walla Walla,' which directs the Penitentiary Commissioners to erect a suitable fire-proof building of stone, brick, and iron or steel. The Act appropriated $40,000, in addition to the sums raised by a special tax levy. In February 1886, Governor Squire appointed General M. M. Bane, Hon. O. C. White, and B. E. Johnson as Penitentiary Commissioners. On the 11th of February, 1887, the Board reported to the Governor that the buildings were ready for occupancy.

The stockade encloses three acres of land on a high, sightly portion of the grounds. The wall rises 15 feet above the ground and is 16 inches wide on top, covered with cement. At two opposite corners are masonry brick and glass guard houses, and at the other corners, large wooden sentry boxes. Entrance is through a double gateway with heavy iron bars and sliding gates of heavy iron plate on the inside, designed to keep the most hardened inmates confined. The main building, constructed of brick, includes a cell block with three tiers of cells. Each cell is 5 feet 6 inches wide, 9 feet long, and 7 feet high, equipped with a ventilation shaft and hammocks. Each cell door is secured with a heavy padlock, and the rows of cells are operated by a central lever and combination lock, making it impossible for a prisoner to escape even if a single padlock is compromised.