The designation “Historic Jail and Sheriff’s Residence” refers to a distinct architectural and social building type found across the United States, often a single structure that combined a secure jail with a residence for the county sheriff and their family. These buildings are significant because they illustrate a unique historical approach to local law enforcement and criminal justice.
While there are many excellent examples, one notable location is in Delaware, Ohio, which serves as a great representation of this style.
Delaware, Ohio’s Historic Jail and Sheriff’s Residence
The former Delaware County Jail and Sheriff’s Residence, located at 20 West Central Avenue in Delaware, Ohio, offers a compelling look at the past.
- Construction and Style: Built in 1878 by architect David Gibbs, the structure primarily features the stately Italianate style, though it incorporates elements of Gothic Revival and Second Empire detailing. Its beautiful, contrasting architecture often features a more residential-looking sheriff’s quarters connected to a more formidable, fortress-like jail.
- A Family’s Role: Reflecting a common prison reform idea of the era, the building included the sheriff’s residence. The sheriff, and often his wife (known as the “Matron”), were required to live on-site. The Matron frequently played a crucial role, responsible for cooking meals and caring for the inmates. This setup highlights the close, often informal, nature of local justice at the time.
- Historic Status: The facility was in use until 1988 and was later listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
- Current Use: Today, it is conserved and operated by the Delaware County Historical Society as a museum, offering tours of the residence and the preserved cell block.
Other Notable Examples
The concept of combining the jail and the sheriff’s home appears in various forms across different states, each with unique architectural features:
- Montgomery County, Indiana: Features a rare Rotary Jail, one of only two still existing in the United States, housed within a building that mixes Italianate, Gothic Revival, and Romanesque Revival styles.
- Carroll County, Missouri: The 1878 Sheriff’s Quarters, in a hybrid Neoclassical Revival and Italianate style, is linked to the dramatic saga of the Taylor brothers, infamous outlaws of the American West.
The “Historic Jail and Sheriff’s Residence” is more than just an old building; it is a monument to a past era when law enforcement and domestic life were literally joined under one roof.
