Somerset in Somerset County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
County Jail & Sheriff's Residence
1856/1890
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 9, 2022
1. County Jail & Sheriff's Residence Marker
The County's first permanent jail was built on this sight [sic] in 1802. A new jail was constructed in 1856 in combination with the residential portion. The growing population soon led the jail to be overcrowded and escapes were very common. Dangerous prisoners were kept in shackles to insure their captivity. In 1889 the community voted to repair the old jail as opposed to building an entirely new one. The new facility contained a double gallows which is thought to have been the only one in the state. This was used to execute two sets of brothers including the Nicely brothers whose case was highly publicized at that time.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1802.
Location. 40° 0.572′ N, 79° 4.665′ W. Marker is in Somerset, Pennsylvania, in Somerset County. Marker is on Union Street east of Center Avenue, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 121 East Union Street, Somerset PA 15501, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 142nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry (a few steps from this marker); Court House (within shouting distance of this marker); Saint Paul's Presbyterian Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Somerset County World War II Memorial
this page online
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 9, 2022
2. County Jail & Sheriff's Residence and Marker
Photographed By Craig Doda, July 23, 2022
3. County Jail & Sheriff's Residence Name Stone
Credits. This page was last revised on August 29, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 9, 2022, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 162 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 9, 2022, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on August 8, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.
