Jamestown in Tuolumne County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Jamestown Branch Jail

Photographed by Syd Whittle, July 27, 2010

1. Jamestown Branch Jail Marker

Inscription.
California’s gold country was in the midst of a second gold rush when the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors approved construction of a Jamestown Branch Jail. It was designed by Sonora architect C.W. Ayers and built by A.S. Thomas for $1060.00, it was ready for its first inmate in January 1898 with Constable John W. “Jack” Leland in charge. The 400 square foot wood, concrete and brick building was used as a temporary detention facility until inmates could be taken to the county jail in Sonora or released after a night on the town. The Jamestown Branch Jail served the community until 1940 when all services were moved to Sonora. In 1964, R.W. Pollard purchased the building and moved it to Pollardville, his theme park near Stockton. When Pollardville was sold in 2007, the Jamestown Jail returned home 125 feet east of its original location. This historic building is owned by the people of Tuolumne County.

Erected 2008 by Matuca Chapter 1849, E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1898.

Location. 37° 57.218′ N, 120° 25.402′ W. Marker is in Jamestown, California, in Tuolumne

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County. It can be reached from Main Street near Seca Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker and jail building are located at Rocca Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jamestown CA 95327, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Jamestown Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Rocca Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Jamestown (within shouting distance of this marker); Red Light District (within shouting distance of this marker); Community Hall/Jamestown Justice Court (within shouting distance of this marker); Ramirez – Preston Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Willow (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Emporium – 1897 (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jamestown.

Also see . . . The Tuolumne County Historical Society. Society website homepage (Submitted on July 27, 2010.)

Jamestown Branch Jail and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, July 27, 2010

2. Jamestown Branch Jail and Marker

Photographed by Syd Whittle, July 27, 2010

3. Jail Door

Jamestown Branch Jail - Above the Door image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, July 27, 2010

4. Jamestown Branch Jail - Above the Door

Photographed by Syd Whittle, July 27, 2010

5. Walkway

Funds for moving and restoring the building were raised by the sale of donor pavers which make up the walkway around the building.

Rear View of the Jail image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, July 27, 2010

6. Rear View of the Jail

Jamestown Branch Jail image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, July 28, 2010

7. Jamestown Branch Jail

Credits. This page was last revised on February 11, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,569 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on July 27, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.