Frisco in Summit County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Frisco Jail
Circa 1881
| | Town of Frisco | |
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 27, 2025
1. Frisco Jail Marker
Frisco's first and only jail featured four 7 x 10 foot jail cells and was moved to the park in 1983 from the east side of Fifth Avenue, a half block off Main Street. The jail was built by J. Scott and William Myers, who used square nail construction and recycled wagon wheels to hand-forge door and window hardware.
Original Owner: Town of Frisco
Donor: William Wildhack
Erected by Town of Frisco, Colorado.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.
Location. 39° 34.51′ N, 106° 6.038′ W. Marker is in Frisco, Colorado, in Summit County. It can be reached from the intersection of East Main Street (Business Interstate 70) and 2nd Avenue, on the right when traveling east. The marker and jail are in Frisco Historic Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 120 East Main Street, Frisco CO 80443, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Colorado High Rockies and on the Continental Divide. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Niemoth Cabin (a few steps from this marker); Schoolhouse (a few steps from this marker); Frank & Annie Ruth House (a few steps from this marker); Wood's Cabin (a few steps from this marker); Spring House (within shouting distance of this marker); Prestrud/Staley House (within shouting distance of this marker); Ute Tipi (within shouting distance of this marker); Log Chapel (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Frisco.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Frisco Historic Park & Museum
Also see . . . Frisco Jail (Frisco Historic Park & Museum Virtual Tour).
Excerpt: To deal with those visiting the saloons too frequently, Frisco needed a calaboose, or jail. In 1881, the town board appointed a committee to locate a site, pay for, and build the lockup. Approved supplies included a heating stove, three mattresses, four blankets, two(Submitted on November 18, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)comforters, lamps, and locks. At the time of construction, Frisco had three Marshalls, all of which received $4 for every arrest that led to a fine. Many a rowdy miner spent a night or two in the Old Frisco Jail. Most were arrested for claim-jumping, fighting, or cheating. The Jail originally had four cells. When it was moved to its current location, one cell was left to demonstrate what it would have been like to be a prisoner in Frisco. The other cell doors act as the entrance doors to this historic building.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 27, 20252. Frisco Jail (northwest elevation)The marker is mounted on the right side of the north/front entrance [left].
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 27, 2025
3. Frisco Jail (west elevation)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 27, 2025
4. Frisco Jail (northeast elevation)
The 4 original cell windows (left) are seen here on the east side of the jail.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 17, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 47 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 18, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
