Mariposa in Mariposa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Mariposa County’s Old Stone Jail
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2011
1. Mariposa County’s Old Stone Jail Marker
Inscription.
Mariposa County’s Old Stone Jail. . This 33 X 26 foot structure was built in 1858 from granite blocks quarried near Mormon Bar at a cost of 14,744.00 by J.O. Lovejoy. It originally had two stories and a gallows at the east end. In 1892 a fire gutted the building, taking the life of its only occupant, Thomas Truit. Reconstruction called for the removal of the upper story, the surplus granite to be used as retaining walls at the fairgrounds. Several prisoners have escaped over the years, usually by overpowering the guards. In 1935 two inmates escaped with outside help. Rivets were cut, and iron plate removed, and a stone block worked loose. Both escapees were captured in Oregon. The Old Stone Jail was condemned in 1963 and replace by a facility near the courthouse.
Dedicated by Matuca Chapter 1849 , E Clampus Vitus June 9, 1979 , Rededicated with new plaque , April 4, 1992 , By Matuca Chapter (5997).
This 33 X 26 foot structure was built in 1858 from granite blocks quarried near Mormon Bar at a cost of 14,744.00 by J.O. Lovejoy. It originally had two stories and a gallows at the east end. In 1892 a fire gutted the building, taking the life of its only occupant, Thomas Truit. Reconstruction called for the removal of the upper story, the surplus granite to be used as retaining walls at the fairgrounds. Several prisoners have escaped over the years, usually by overpowering the guards. In 1935 two inmates escaped with outside help. Rivets were cut, and iron plate removed, and a stone block worked loose. Both escapees were captured in Oregon. The Old Stone Jail was condemned in 1963 and replace by a facility near the courthouse.
Dedicated by Matuca Chapter 1849
E Clampus Vitus June 9, 1979
Rededicated with new plaque
April 4, 1992
By Matuca Chapter (5997)
Erected 1979 by E Clampus Vitus, Matuca Chapter No. 1849.
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 April 1867.
Location. 37° 29.066′ N, 119° 57.81′ W. Marker is in Mariposa, California, in Mariposa County. Marker
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is on Bullion Street, on the left when traveling south. The Old Stone Jail is located between Fourth and Fifth Streets. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5012 Bullion Street, Mariposa CA 95338, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Also see . . . 1. The Mariposa County Jail. The old jail, while still looking capable of confining even the most heinous desperados, hasn’t held a prisoner since it was condemned in 1963.(Submitted on August 27, 2011.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 3, 2018. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,399 times since then and 175 times this year. Photos:1. submitted on August 24, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 2. submitted on October 24, 2018, by Mandy Kirby of Clovis, California. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 24, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of original plaque. • Can you help?