Franklin in Simpson County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Old Stone Jail / Jailer's Residence

Old Stone Jail Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 1, 2020

1. Old Stone Jail Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

(side 1) Old Stone Jail This building, which was Simpson County's fourth jail (the first being built in 1819), was constructed in 1879 and was used for civilian prisoners until 1986. The unique style of the Old Jail is based on a medieval fortress; the design combined psychological deterrence to crime and provided an escape-proof enclosure. Over.

(side 2) Jailer's Residence The jailer's residence was built in Greek Revival style circa 1835. It is one of the oldest buildings in Franklin and was used as a jail from 1860-1879. It housed Confederate prisoners during the Civil War, who left graffiti on the walls. This building was converted to the jailer's residence after the jail was built in 1879.

Erected 2015 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 2464.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Law Enforcement •

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War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1835.

Location. 36° 43.425′ N, 86° 34.734′ W. Marker is in Franklin, Kentucky, in Simpson County. Marker is at the intersection of North College Street and West Washington Street, on the right when traveling north on North College Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 206 North College Street, Franklin KY 42134, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Simpson County Civil War Monument (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Cash-Carter Wedding / Walk the Line (about 400 feet away); Beverly L. Clarke (about 400 feet away); Simpson County Desert Shield / Desert Storm Veterans Monument (about 500 feet away); Simpson County Veterans Memorial (about 500 feet away); County Named, 1819 / Franklin (about 500 feet away); Carolyn Conn Moore (about 600 feet away); Goodnight Memorial Library / Isaac Hershel Goodnight (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Franklin.

Also see . . . A History of the Simpson County Jail and Jailer's Residence. By Williams B. Scott, Jr.; Sarah Jackson Smith; and Dorothy Donnell Steers. Published June 1992 in RootsWeb. (Submitted on November 2, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Jailer's Residence Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 1, 2020

2. Jailer's Residence Marker

Old Stone Jail / Jailer's Residence Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 1, 2020

3. Old Stone Jail / Jailer's Residence Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 3, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 574 times since then and 127 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 2, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.