Bridgeport in Mono County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Old County Jail

Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 6, 2008

1. Old County Jail Marker

Inscription. Since the formation of Mono County in 1861, six facilities have served as the county jail. This stone building was placed into service by Sheriff C.F. McKinney, Dec. 5, 1883, and became the 5th Mono County Jail. It replaced the wooden jail facility partially destroyed, December 16, 1882, during an escape attempt by prisoners. This replacement jailhouse, larger than its predecessor, contained – an office, dining area, 6 cells, 2 wash and storage rooms. The walls were two feet thick and constructed of stone from a nearby quarry. It was designed by G.L. Porter and built by A.J. Severe to be escape proof, at a cost of $5,750 (U.S. gold coin). Subsequently, it became the main incarnation facility for the county until April 10, 1964, when it was replaced by the current jail. To date, no other facility has served as the county jail for a longer period of time. This plaque dedicated as a California Sesquicentennial event

Erected 2000 by E Clampus Vitus September 9, 2000.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 10, 1773.

Location. 38° 15.406′ N, 119° 13.703′ W. Marker is in Bridgeport

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, California, in Mono County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Bryant Street and School Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 49 Bryant Street, Bridgeport CA 93517, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bridgeport Chronicle-Union (within shouting distance of this marker); Mono County Memorial Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Mono County Court House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); "The Irwin" (about 300 feet away); Frontier Justice (about 400 feet away); "Bridgeport Inn" (about 500 feet away); Bridgeport Elementary School (about 600 feet away); First Bridgeport Courthouse (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bridgeport.

Additional commentary.
1. A quote from the Walking Tour of Historic Bridgeport brochure
In January 13, 1888, the following account was published in the Bridgeport Chronicle-Union from Andrew McGinty, a fellow well acquainted with the 'County Bar Hotel,': "...the Bridgeport jail I have found to be more like home than a jail for the unfortunate. It is neat and clean in every respect, and our meals were well furnished..."

— Submitted August 18, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 6, 2008

2. Old County Jail

Old County Jail image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 6, 2008

3. Old County Jail

Old County Jail Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 6, 2008

4. Old County Jail Sign

MONO COUNTY JAIL Built by A. J. Severe Of natural stone Mined locally Total cost $5,750 U.S. Gold Coin 1883 – 1964

Inside Old County Jail image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 6, 2008

5. Inside Old County Jail

Metal Grate Outside Door image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lester J Letson, September 8, 2012

6. Metal Grate Outside Door

Centered between the brass marker on the left and the old wood marker on the right,

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 17, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,023 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 17, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 6. submitted on September 10, 2012, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.