The Old Jail
The old jail, actually the county's fourth, was completed in 1875 at a cost of $38,600. The Victorian Italianate design made it a distinctive structure. The front facade is composed of 2,000 pound limestone blocks. The jail housed inmates and also served as the residence for the sheriff and his family. Controversial jail escapes occurred here in 1920, 1922, 1923 and 1930. Don Purkepyle shot and killed his wife inside the jail in 1895.
The jail was closed after a new facility was completed on Gearhart Road in 1994.
Marker is at the intersection of Court Street and Main Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Court Street.
Courtesy hmdb.org
