Walterboro in Colleton County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Walterboro Jail

Photographed By Mike Stroud, April 2008

1. Walterboro Jail Marker

Inscription. This neo-Gothic building, designed by Jones and Lee, noted architects of Charleston, and constructed by J.& B. Lucas in 1855-56, replaced the jail built in 1822 when Walterboro became the seat of justice of Colleton District. It served as a jail until 1937, since which time it has been used by Colleton County to house various offices.

Erected 1985 by The Colleton County Historical Society. (Marker Number 15-9.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1822.

Location. 32° 54.221′ N, 80° 40.039′ W. Marker is in Walterboro, South Carolina, in Colleton County. Marker is on North Jeffries Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 239 North Jeffries Boulevard, Walterboro SC 29488, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Walterboro (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Confederate Monument (about 500 feet away); Colleton County Courthouse (about 600 feet away); Colleton County Veterans War Memorial (about 700 feet away); Walterborough Academy (approx. 0.4 miles away); Walterborough Library Society (approx. half a mile away); Hickory Valley

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(approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Hickory Valley (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Walterboro.

Regarding Walterboro Jail. "This landmark structure resembles a miniature fortified castle. It has been used by Colleton County to house various offices since that time, most significantly the Colleton Museum and the Chamber of Commerce." Today it is a museum

Additional commentary.
1. The Old Colleton County Jail
is a stuccoed brick building built in 1855-56 by J. and B. Lucas of Charleston in the Gothic Revival style. The building is significant architecturally as a fine example of Gothic design in a cultural area where Gothic architecture is a rarity. Its architects, Edward C. Jones and Francis D. Lee, were well known in Charleston and throughout the state. They were in high demand at this time, with designs including courthouses, churches, college buildings, businesses and private residences all over South Carolina. The jail in part resembles a miniature, fortified castle. The front facade has crenellated parapets, turret-like structures at either corner, and a massive central

Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2008

2. Walterboro Jail Marker

tower above the main entrance. The main entrance is shielded by an extended, enclosed porch with buttresses and a central pointed archway entrance at the front and narrow slit windows on the sides. A large lancet window with hood mold is set in the massive central tower above the main entrance. Hood molds also accent the remaining windows on the front façade. Listed in the National Register May 14, 1971.(S.C. Dept. of Archives and History)

— Submitted July 12, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.

Walterboro Jail , now a Museum image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2008

3. Walterboro Jail , now a Museum

National Register of Historical Places plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2008

4. National Register of Historical Places plaque

Old Colleton County Jail (added 1971 - Building - #71000766) • Historic Significance: Architecture/Engineering • Architect, builder, or engineer: Lee,Francis D., Jones, Edward C. • Area of Significance: Architecture • Period of Significance: 1850-1874 •

Photographed By Mike Stroud, April 2008

5. Walterboro Jail Marker

Walterboro Jail image. Click for full size.

S.C. Dept. of Archives and History, circa 1971

6. Walterboro Jail

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 14, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,727 times since then and 38 times this year. Last updated on August 5, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 14, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 6. submitted on July 12, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.