Wilkesboro in Wilkes County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Old Wilkes County Jail
Built 1859
— Wilkesboro Historic Preservation Commission —
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 29, 2022
1. Old Wilkes County Jail Marker
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.
Location. 36° 8.967′ N, 81° 9.135′ W. Marker is in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, in Wilkes County. Marker is on North Bridge Street north of West North Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wilkesboro NC 28697, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Wilkes County Confederate Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Early Food Preservation (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert Cleveland Log Home (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Wilkes Jail (within shouting distance of this marker); Captain Robert Cleveland Log Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Wilkes County Courthouse Annex (within shouting distance of this marker); Colonel Ben Cleveland (within shouting distance of this marker); The Tory Oak (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilkesboro.
Regarding Old Wilkes County Jail. Excerpt from the National Register of Historic Places nomination for the former jail:
The old Wilkes County jail was authorized for construction during the February, 1856 court term, and a commissionwas appointed to select a suitable site. In May of the same year, the commissioners reported that they had agreed upon the "north public spring lot now dry" which was lot 9, East, in the original Wilkesboro town plan. Actual construction was underway by late 1858 and was completed by February, I859. The finished structure had several cells and included a residence for the jailer.
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During the War Between the States the jail was used to house Confederate provisions as well as prisoners. After the war, Tom Dula (of the famous ballad "Hang Down Your Head Tom Dooley") was incarcerated here until a change of venue was obtained by his defense attorney, former Governor Zebulon Vance.
Also see . . . Old Wilkes County Jail (PDF). National Register nomination for the former jail, which was listed in 1971. (National Archives) (Submitted on November 15, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 29, 2022
2. Old Wilkes County Jail Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 15, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 15, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 70 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 15, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
