Lake County Jail - Tiptonville, TN
Old, Old Jail under renovation - Franklin, TN Completed in 1942, Franklin's Old, Old Jail served as Williamson County's jail until 1970. It served as various offices until it fell into disrepair. The Franklin Heritage Foundation is restoring the jail to be the Big House for Historic Preservation, which you can read about here: historicfranklin.com/old-old-jail/
old Moore County Jail Now a museum. Lynchburg, TN Shamelessly cut and pasted from the internet: A visit to Lynchburg, Tennessee would not be complete without touring the Moore County Jail. The tour is free, although donations are gratefully appreciated to help maintain the building. Moore County Jail is the first jail in Lynchburg. Originally erected in 1872 and later reconstructed in 1893 This facility remained in operation until 1990. Today the jail acts as one of the most interesting tours to be taken in the area.
Metcalfe County Jail - Edmonton, KY en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metcalfe_County_Jail The Metcalfe County Jail, in Edmonton, KY, is a historic jail which was built around 1861. It was used to hold prisoners until the early 1980s. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. It is an early Romanesque Revival-style building constructed of limestone blocks by stonemason John Wilson. It is 36.75 by 24.33 feet in plan. It is located on a corner of East street about 600 feet northeast of the Metcalfe County Courthouse.
Old Simpson County Jail It's now the Simpson County Historical Society & Archives. Located a block off the town square in Franklin, KY
Logan County old Jail Russellville, KY - Now used for county fiscal achives. The jail opened in December 1874 after the previous jail burned down 5 years earlier. The jail was financed by instituting a county income tax. The jail was closed in 1977 and restored 2 years later
Fentress County Jail entrance located as an expansion at the back and bottom floor of the Fentress County Courthouse. To the left of the door is a tablet of the Ten Commandments. They had another one of these at the county line marker on US127. As soon as I got to Jamestown, a couple of inmates were apparently on break sitting outside the front door. They were in the full black-and-white stripe prisoner outfit, but also appeared to be unsupervised. Before I could get somewhere that they couldn't see me to take their picture, they were back inside.
The Old Jail - Franklin, TN There are three jails in Williamson County, but of course the newest one is the only one still used as a jail. This is the Old Jail and is next door to the Old, Old Jail. The Old Jail was built in 1905 for $10,000 by the Pauley Jail Company of St. Louis and was the fourth ever jail in town. The two story brick building included space for living quarters for the sheriff's family. Heavy steel grating over the windows and and a hanging hook with trap door beneath are still in place. This jail was in use until the fifth jail, The Old, Old Jail was built in 1941. Since then, it has has several functions, such as Community Thrift Shop in the late 70's, offices for the county cable television network in the 80's and a couple of bars, taverns or restaurants since. Today it is operated as an event venue known as McConnell House.
Old Lawrence County Jail Built in 1893 and used until 1973. It is now used as a museum and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Cahoots Eat in a Jail Cell! At Cahoots Restaurant in Fayetteville, TN, the owners bought Lincoln County's 18th century jail in the late 80's. In my opinion, the food was ok, but didn't stand out. I suppose if the food was well above average, this place would be a top ten tourist eatery spot in the state. Two original cells have been preserved, and each has 2 tables. If you go with the intention of eating in a jail cell, I recommend going during non-peak hours
Historic Ye Ole Jail (Fentress Co.) The new jail is now an addition onto the county courthouse. This old jail is on the Jamestown town square. The building is now used as the local Chamber of Commerce and the headquarters for the 127 Sale aka "World's Longest Garage Sale." The jail is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building is over 100 years old and made of native sandstone.
Jail door not keeping anyone in. This jail door now stands in Fayetteville's stone bridge park. According to the marker, this jail door is from the old city Calaboose which was built in 1867. Cahoots Restaurant is located in this structure today (where you can eat in a jail cell.) "Many a person has looked through these bars." Hello to anyone who found this here: public-information.xaviermedia.com/2011/01/04/get-correct/
Old Greene County Gaol (Jail) A jail commissioned by the Greene County Court has been on this site behind the Greeneville courthouse since 1806. This structure was built by Turner and Lane in 1882 using limestone and wrought iron from the previous jail built with slaves' labor. This followed the original log jail, replete with stocks, dating from 1794. ...and there's not a good place to stand to get a picture of it.
Benton County Jail Camden TN
The Old Jail - Franklin, TN There are three jails in Williamson County, but of course the newest one is the only one still used as a jail. This is next door to the Old, Old Jail and is known as the Old Jail. This concrete jail was built in 1941 for $25,000 and was the fifth jail ever in the county. It was in use as a jail until the New Jail was built in 1971. Last I heard, this jail holds county offices.
The Old, Old Jail - Franklin, TN There are three jails in Williamson County, but of course the newest one is the only one still used as a jail. This is the Old, Old Jail and is next door to the Old Jail. The Old, Old Jail was built in 1905 for $10,000 by the Pauley Jail Company of St. Louis and was the fourth ever jail in town. The two story brick building included space for living quarters for the sheriff's family. Heavy steel grating over the windows and and a hanging hook with trap door beneath are still in place. This jail was in use until the fifth jail, The Old Jail was built in 1941. Since then, it has has several functions, such as Community Thrift Shop in the late 70's, offices for the county cable television network in the 80's and a couple of bars, taverns or restaurants since.
Old Jefferson County Jail - Dandridge, TN Built in 1845, added on to in 1935. Located behind the county courthouse Today, the building is used as the county department of education. There's probably a joke in there for someone.
Franklin, NC Gem & Mineral Museum This museum was also the Old Jail
Old Carter County Jail? At least I've been told this was the jail at one time in Elizabethton. I think it's only been painted pink sometime in the last 2 to 3 years. The brick path in the foreground leads up to the front steps of the Carter County Courthouse.
Louisville Old Jail
Old Tennessee State Prison version D This interesting building was built in 1898 and was modeled after the fortress-like structure in Aubrun, NY. The main building in the front and center is an administration building. The prison has 800 cells and was built for a cost of $500,000. Due to deterioration, it was closed in 1992 to coincide with the opeing of Riverbend prison. Since it's closing, it's been a popular spot for films ranging from Ernest Goes to Jail to The Green Mile. I've seen post cards of this place from the 1910s and 20s. It seems like an odd thing to make a post card for. What are you going to say? Wish you were here! I've heard it's also a popular place for ghost tours. At the same time the interior is quite unsafe. I've heard reports of security keeping people from getting close to the building, bit nobody was on duty the day I was here. To the right of the prison is the Cumberland River and to the left and behind it is Briley Pkwy. To see my other views of the outside of the prison, look here. 2020 Update: After being damaged by an F3 tornado on March 3rd, the Prison was added to the 2020 Nashville Nine of historic endangered properties: historicnashvilleinc.org/announcing-the-2020-nashville-nine/ Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/weirdest-tennessee/ Here Are The 12 Weirdest Places You Can Possibly Go In Tennessee
Old Tennessee State Prison version C This interesting building was built in 1898 and was modeled after the fortress-like structure in Aubrun, NY. The main building in the front and center is an administration building. The prison has 800 cells and was built for a cost of $500,000. Due to deterioration, it was closed in 1992 to coincide with the opeing of Riverbend prison. Since it's closing, it's been a popular spot for films ranging from Ernest Goes to Jail to The Green Mile. I've seen post cards of this place from the 1910s and 20s. It seems like an odd thing to make a post card for. What are you going to say? Wish you were here! I've heard it's also a popular place for ghost tours. At the same time the interior is quite unsafe. I've heard reports of security keeping people from getting close to the building, bit nobody was on duty the day I was here. To the right of the prison is the Cumberland River and to the left and behind it is Briley Pkwy. Update: The prison was damaged by the Mar. 3, 2020 tornado as seen in this Tennessean photo: www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/03/03/PNAS/1a486d60-2bb1-... To see my other views of the outside of the prison, look here. Hello to anyone who found this photo here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/abandoned-tn/ 10 Insane Abandoned Spots in Tennessee That May Give You Nightmares or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tennessee-prison/ The Inside Of This Abandoned Prison In Tennessee Is Disturbingly Incredible or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/abandoned-tn/ 10 Insane Abandoned Spots in Tennessee That May Give You Nightmares or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/santa-in-tennessee/ or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tennessee-prison/
Old Tennessee State Prison version B This interesting building was built in 1898 and was modeled after the fortress-like structure in Auburn, NY. The main building in the front and center is an administration building. The prison has 800 cells and was built for a cost of $500,000. Due to deterioration, it was closed in 1992 to coincide with the opening of Riverbend prison. Since it's closing, it's been a popular spot for films ranging from Ernest Goes to Jail to The Green Mile. I've seen post cards of this place from the 1910s and 20s. It seems like an odd thing to make a post card for. What are you going to say? Wish you were here! I've heard it's also a popular place for ghost tours. At the same time the interior is quite unsafe. I've heard reports of security keeping people from getting close to the building, bit nobody was on duty the day I was here. To the right of the prison is the Cumberland River and to the left and behind it is Briley Pkwy. To see my other views of the outside of the prison, look here. 2020 Update: After being damaged by an F3 tornado on March 3rd, the Prison was added to the 2020 Nashville Nine of historic endangered properties: historicnashvilleinc.org/announcing-the-2020-nashville-nine/
Old Tennessee State Prison version A This interesting building was built in 1898 and was modeled after the fortress-like structure in Aubrun, NY. The main building in the front and center is an administration building. The prison has 800 cells and was built for a cost of $500,000. Due to deterioration, it was closed in 1992 to coincide with the opeing of Riverbend prison. Since it's closing, it's been a popular spot for films ranging from Ernest Goes to Jail to The Green Mile. I've seen post cards of this place from the 1910s and 20s. It seems like an odd thing to make a post card for. What are you going to say? Wish you were here! I've heard it's also a popular place for ghost tours. At the same time the interior is quite unsafe. I've heard reports of security keeping people from getting close to the building, bit nobody was on duty the day I was here. To the right of the prison is the Cumberland River and to the left and behind it is Briley Pkwy. To see my other views of the outside of the prison, look here. 2020 Update: After being damaged by an F3 tornado on March 3rd, the Prison was added to the 2020 Nashville Nine of historic endangered properties: historicnashvilleinc.org/announcing-the-2020-nashville-nine/ Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/nashville/incredible-na... These 20 Incredible Places in Nashville Will Drop Your Jaw To The Floor or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/nashville/nashville-hau... These Haunted Places In Nashville Will Send Chills Down Your Spine or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/places-way-out-tn/ 10 Places In Tennessee Way Out In The Boonies But So Worth The Drive or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/disturbing-places-in-tn/ We Checked Out The 10 Most Terrifying Places In Tennessee And They’re Horrifying
Old Union County Jail - Maynardsville, TN
Fort Bend County Jail - Richmond, TX From the historic marker: Completed in 1897, this structure was the third jail building in Fort Bend County. Built to communicate strength and justice to the area's lawless elements, the imposing Romanesque revival style structure features terra cotta decoration and massive arches. The interior included living quarters for the sheriff and a third floor gallows. It served as the Fort Bend County Jail until 1955. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1985
Olde Grainger County Jail - Rutledge, TN built in 1848
Old Stone Jail - Shepherdsville, KY This old stone jail was the 3rd jail in Bullitt County. It was built in 1891 and in use until 1947. It is located behind the historic county courthouse which is now a museum.
Hancock Co. Jail - Hawesville, KY This is the 1854 cornerstone from the Hancock County Jail. It is located at the Hawesville Train Depot Museum.
Lawrence Co. Courthouse - Moulton, AL This description is taken from the Moulton Courthouse Square Historic District listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1936, the courthouse is designed in the Classical Modern style as is the Bank of Moulton-Lawrence County Archives. This style blended the classical lines and associations of the Classical Revival with the innovative decorative ornamentation of the Art Deco period. Dominant on these courthouses is a sense of verticality and smooth planes. Narrow windows set back from the facades in dark panes help to emphasize this smooth vertical movement. Classically inspired columns or pilasters are also found on these buildings. Ornament is subtle and refined, set in bands around the buildings or topping an entranceway or window. These buildings break with earlier traditions in architecture but clearly employ earlier principles as well. The north and south facades of the Lawrence County Courthouse feature porticoes with entablatures and four fluted columns. Its temple with wings form is faced with limestone. The annex, formerly the county jail, rises to a height of three stories. Like the courthouse, it has a basement. Unlike the courthouse, the annex is built of red brick. It was the unfortunate victim of a misguided restoration in 1955, which contributes to its noncontributing status.
Old City Jail - Pembroke, GA The Old City Jail in Pembroke is located adjacent to the modern Bryan County Courthouse. From the marker: Built in 1912, this structure was originally a simple one-room brick cube with barred windows and an armored door. It was used to house offenders for short periods for fighting, public drunkenness and similar minor offenses. In 1928, the City of Pembroke purchased an 1897-vintage two-unit prefabrication cell from the old Bryan County Seat of Clyde, Georgia when that town was demolished to make way for the development of Camp Stewart by the U.S. Army. The iron cell was dismantled, shipped by wagon to Pembroke, and then reassembled inside the jail building. The improved jail remained in operation until the 1950s, when it was retired. In 2003, the Old City Jail was restored as a museum by the Pembroke City Council with the guidance and assistance of a committee of dedicated citizens
Old Dawson County Jail - Dawsonville, GA en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawson_County_Jail The Dawson County Jail in Dawsonville, GA, also known as Old Dawson County Jail, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in 1881 and modified in 1931, 1974, and 1979. It was built by M.B. McGinty, a builder from Athens, GA. The jail is a two-story 33 feet by 26 feet red brick, Italianate-style building with a hipped roof that used to be covered by "good heart-pine shingles laid 5 inches to the weather". The exterior walls are 13-inch thick and its interior walls are 9-inch thick.
Oglethorpe County Jail - Lexington, GA The Oglethorpe County Jail (built ca.1879) is a two-story square, brick building with a hip-roof and some Victorian details. It is on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Lexington Historic District
Claiborne County Jail - Tazewell, TN en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claiborne_County_Jail The Claiborne County Jail in Tazewell, TN, is a historic jail that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. The two-story limestone and brick jail was built in 1819. It replaced Claiborne County's first jail, a crude structure built on the same site in 1804. The 1819 jail was used until 1931.
Hancock County Old Jail - Sneedville, TN The Old Jail is on the National Register of Historic Places. Here is the text from its entry: npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/NRIS/73001784 The "Old Jail," built circa 1860, is on Jail Street, one block west of the main street in Sneedville. It is a two-story brick structure painted red with a tin roof and a chimney on each side. Each of the seven openings on the front side is surmounted by a plain lintel painted white [Brent's note: white paint removed since 2009] The only attempt at any decoration is the brick corbeling across the front. The porch, which is a later addition and which covers the entrance floor, projects to the edge of the sidewalk. At present, there are three exterior entrances on the first floor. The center door appears not to be used now, but it leads into the center hall. It is flanked by two doors, each leading into the side rooms. On either side of these doors is a window, while there are three windows on the second floor. Although there is now a small clapboard wing, the house was originally only one room deep with a center hall having a stairway and with a room on each side. The two mantels on the first floor include a simple wood one and a small simple Victorian marble mantel. The "Old Jail" continues to be used for its original purpose. [Brent's note: this was written in 1973. Today it is a museum, library and genealogical society.] First floor rooms serve as the county sheriff's residence and the second floor is used for prisoners. Male prisoners are kept in a large steel cage in the open area. Female prisoners are placed in the smaller, enclosed room where the original sheathing can be detected. Located in the very rough and mountainous northeast section of Tennessee, Hancock County has always been one of the most sparsely populated and poorest counties in the state. The area, around which is now Sneedville, was settled in the first quarter of the nineteenth century and was originally called the Greasy Rock area. Hancock County was formed in 1844 from portions of Hawkins and Claiborne counties. Because of various constitutional disputes, however, Hancock County did not begin to conduct any business until 1848. In 1850, a small but substantial brick courthouse was erected as well as a log jail.- The latter was replaced in 1860 by the present brick building which continues to serve as the county jail. The courthouse burned shortly before 1887 according to the Goodspeed History of Tennessee. Some people claim the "Old Jail" to be the oldest building in Sneedville, which is quite possible. Certainly, it is the oldest public building, and the only one left having historical connections with the early years of the county. It is the major landmark in the area. Citizens have discussed the desirability of converting the "Old Jail" into a museum of local history after constructing a new jail, which they feel is desperately needed. In an area where buildings of architectural or historical significance are lacking, the Old Jail does possess significance for Hancock County.
Site of the old Jail - Chattanooga According to the marker, the Old Hamilton County Jail was on this spot from 1870-1976. When then built a modern jail at this location and demolished the old one, they kept the decorative "County Jail" stonework.
Armstrong County Jail - Claude, TX Historic marker: Erected in 1953, this building is constructed of stone used to build the first masonry jail in Armstrong County, 1894. Stone for the structure (which replaced a primitive, frame "calaboose") was quarried 14 miles south at Dripping Springs in Palo Duro Canyon and then hauled here in wagons driven by local citizens. The rock was cut at this site. The 1894 building had two stories, topped by a dome, and 20-inch walls. So sturdy was it that dangerous convicts from other counties were kept here. Old-timers remember that only three prisoners ever escaped.
Old Childress County Jail, Childress, TN The Old Jail is on the national Register of Historic Places as part of the Childress Commercial and Civic Historic District. Here are the notes from the nominating form: Date: 1924 Current use: Childress County Courthouse Adult Probation Department Style: Neoclassical Description: Historic jail also on county courthouse lot in NE corner of block. Two‐story rectangular plan, stucco exterior, porch with Doric columns. Jail was the library at one point and a museum. The building retains original wood windows, jail cell components and light switches on the interior.
Old Donley County Jail - Clarendon, TX This is located at the Saints' Roost Museum in Clarendon, TX. Here is the description from their website: www.saintsroostmuseum.com/exhibits Old Donley County Jail Bids for a new jail were opened in 1903, and the Donley County Commissioners Court requested that the Pauly Jail Building and Manufacturing Company furnish plans and specifications for the proposed structure. Contractor J.A. White completed construction of the patented Pauly jail in 1904, and it was in use for more than 75 years. Once it could no longer be acceptably restored to meet state requirements, it was donated to Saints’ Roost Museum.
Old Sullivan County Jail - Blountville, TN From "Tennessee Troubled Roots" which is my guide to TN jails, it said the jail of 1870 was made of handmade bricks and was on a lot to the rear of the courthouse and was later used as the sherrifs home, and then for county offices. It was in use as a jail until 1956 when the current jail was added on to the back of the county courthouse
Old Carroll County Jail - Hillsville, VA Local resident Bob DeGrosa bought the old 1938 jail house, has spent a few years renovating it and now is looking for a use for it. The full story is here: www.thecarrollnews.com/view/full_story/2999968/article-De...
Old Scott County Jail - Huntsville, TN This historic jail built in 1907 is on the National Register of Historic Places and is located on the other side of a parking lot from the county courthouse. The crenelated wall is made by five by four by three foor blocks of local red sandstone. The jailers quarters are on the first floor. Maximum security prisoners are on the third floor, which was added in 1922. A replacement jail was built in 1963. Later after a few prisoners escaped, this building was renovated to be the jail again. No prisoners had ever escaped, which is what you would expect from this place, which has the appearance of an impenetrable fortress. This jail did finally close down in late 2008 with the building of a modern Justice Center a couple of miles away. In the mean time, the city isn't sure what to do with their historic structure. At the time of the closing, it was the second oldest county jail in use (after the Bledsoe Co. Jail in Pikeville). For more info: www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/jul/27/historic-scott-co-jail-... I saw a picture of this jail from the late 70s. Since then, the front awning has been added, but back then they still had a soda machine out front.
The Old Jail (2011) - Franklin, TN There are three jails in Williamson County, but of course the newest one is the only one still used as a jail. This is next door to the Old, Old Jail and is known as the Old Jail. This concrete jail was built in 1941 for $25,000 and was the fifth jail ever in the county. It was in use as a jail until the New Jail was built in 1971. Last I heard, this jail holds county offices. This is the second time I have been to the old jail and since my visit last time a little over a year ago it has been painted all white except for the stone basement level and all the windows have been boarded up with the bars removed.
Cannon County Jail - Woodbury, TN The original part of the jail was built in 1880 and consists of the part made of stone and the second story above it. In 1975, the area on the right was added which is the sheriff's office and living quarters. At that time, the old part was painted white and the right part was unpainted red brick. Since then, a new jail has opened a quarter mile away from this one along the town square.
Historic Ye Ole Jail - Jamestown, TN (2013) The new jail is now an addition onto the county courthouse. This old jail is on the Jamestown town square. The building is now used as the local Chamber of Commerce and the headquarters for the 127 Sale aka "World's Longest Garage Sale." The jail is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building is over 100 years old and made of native sandstone.
![The Old Jail is on the National Register of Historic Places. Here is the text from its entry:
npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/NRIS/73001784
The "Old Jail," built circa 1860, is on Jail Street, one block west of the main street in Sneedville. It is a two-story brick structure painted red with a tin roof and a chimney on each side. Each of the seven openings on the front side is surmounted by a plain lintel painted white [Brent's note: white paint removed since 2009] The only attempt at any decoration is the brick corbeling across the front. The porch, which is a later addition and which covers the entrance floor, projects to the edge of the sidewalk.
At present, there are three exterior entrances on the first floor. The center door appears not to be used now, but it leads into the center hall. It is flanked by two doors, each leading into the side rooms. On either side of these doors is a window, while there are three windows on the second floor. Although there is now a small clapboard wing, the house was originally only one room deep with a center hall having a stairway and with a room on each side. The two mantels on the first floor include a simple wood one and a small simple Victorian marble mantel.
The "Old Jail" continues to be used for its original purpose. [Brent's note: this was written in 1973. Today it is a museum, library and genealogical society.] First floor rooms serve as the county sheriff's residence and the second floor is used for prisoners. Male prisoners are kept in a large steel cage in the open area. Female prisoners are placed in the smaller, enclosed room where the original sheathing can be detected.
Located in the very rough and mountainous northeast section of Tennessee, Hancock County has always been one of the most sparsely populated and poorest counties in the state. The area, around which is now Sneedville, was settled in the first quarter of the nineteenth century and was originally called the Greasy Rock area. Hancock County was formed in 1844 from portions of Hawkins and Claiborne counties. Because of various constitutional disputes, however, Hancock County did not begin to conduct any business until 1848. In 1850, a small but substantial brick courthouse was erected as well as a log jail.- The latter was replaced in 1860 by the present brick building which continues to serve as the county jail. The courthouse burned shortly before 1887 according to the Goodspeed History of Tennessee.
Some people claim the "Old Jail" to be the oldest building in Sneedville, which is quite possible. Certainly, it is the oldest public building, and the only one left having historical connections with the early years of the county. It is the major landmark in the area. Citizens have discussed the desirability of converting the "Old Jail" into a museum of local history after constructing a new jail, which they feel is desperately needed.
In an area where buildings of architectural or historical significance are lacking, the Old Jail does possess significance for Hancock County.](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52694004859_d5ca3a2d39_b.jpg "Hancock County Old Jail - Sneedville, TN")
