Friday Harbor in San Juan County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)

San Juan County Jail

Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, June 9, 2017

1. San Juan County Jail Marker

Inscription. County Jail, built in 1894 for $234.50, was constructed of 2x4's stacked three deep. It was used until 1971, when it was condemned and declared to be 'the worst jail in the state of Washington,' and eventually moved here in 1981 from its original location behind the County Courthouse in Friday Harbor. It originally faced the school and a yellow light above the door indicated when it was occupied. Anyone could stop by for a chat - including school children who, for a fee, ran to fetch candy and cigarettes.

(caption:) San Juan County Sheriff Eric Erickson showcases the 1894 vintage jail in July 1968.
Photograph by Jack Carver, Whatcom Museum, Bellingham, WA

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1894.

Location. 48° 31.959′ N, 123° 1.505′ W. Marker is in Friday Harbor, Washington, in San Juan County. It can be reached from Price Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 405 Price Street, Friday Harbor WA 98250, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker is in the Puget Sound Region.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast,

in the Pacific Northwest,

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

in the Inside Passage,

on the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Milk House (a few steps from this marker); Stone Store House (a few steps from this marker); James F. King Farmhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Roll of Honor World War (approx. half a mile away); English Camp (approx. 6.7 miles away).

Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, June 9, 2017

2. San Juan County Jail & Marker

Jail is located at the San Juan County Museum

Credits. This page was last revised on June 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 7, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.