Downtown Harrisburg in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Old Dauphin County Prison

Photographed by William Pfingsten, March 21, 2008

1. Old Dauphin County Prison Marker

Inscription. The second Dauphin County Prison stood on the southeast corner of Walnut and Court Streets. Completed in 1841, it replaced a log structure erected circa 1792 at the time that the first Dauphin County Courthouse was built directly behind this property on Market Street. In 1899, the Prison was enlarged through the addition of a third story and expanded exterior walls by employing similar gothic and castle-like architectural features to that of the earlier prison building. Although the Prison's physical adjacency to the Courthouse ended in 1943 when the present Courthouse was completed at nearby Front and Market Streets, the Prison continued in use until 1956 when the current Dauphin County Prison in Swatara Township was opened. The old Prison was demolished the following year.
Left Photo
The Prison is shown in 1904 from Court Street toward Walnut Street with added third story and new facade. Note the second Dauphin County Courthouse cupola in the background.
Right Photo
1885 view of the original prison completed in 1841 prior to its alterations in 1899.

Erected by The Harrisburg History Project Commissioned by Mayor Stephen R. Reed.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture

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• Law Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania, The Harrisburg History Project series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1841.

Location. 40° 15.663′ N, 76° 52.972′ W. Marker is in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in Dauphin County. It is in Downtown Harrisburg. It is at the intersection of Walnut Street and Court Street, on the right when traveling west on Walnut Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 210 Walnut St, Harrisburg PA 17101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania, specifically in Pennsylvania Dutch Country,

and in the Susquehanna Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Plum (within shouting distance of this marker); Strawberry Square Phase I (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Grand Opera House (about 300 feet away); Eagle Hotel and Bolton Hotel (about 300 feet away); Federal Square (about 300 feet away); Capitol Park (about 300 feet away); John Harris' Gift (about 400 feet away); Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King City Government Center (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harrisburg.

Another marker is no longer nearby. George J. Heisely Residence and the National Anthem (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Building at site of Old Prison image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Pfingsten, March 21, 2008

2. Building at site of Old Prison

Credits. This page was last revised on January 22, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 29, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,733 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 29, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.