Lower Lake in Lake County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Lower Lake Stone Jail

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, March 1, 2008

1. Lower Lake Stone Jail Marker

Inscription. Built in 1876 at the height of the quicksilver mining boom, the Lower Lake stone jail was a response to rapid town growth and the urgent need for civil order. Stephen Nicolai, one of the first stone masons in Lower Lake, built the jail from local materials along with the help of Theodore and John Copsey. The jail is one of the smallest in the United States.

California Registered Landmark No. 429

Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the ancient and honorable order of E Clampus Vitus, Yerba Buena Chapter No. 1, October 2, 1982.

[On the reverse side of this monument is marker (see picture 2, below) that reads]:
Theodore and John Copsey commemorated the completion of the jail by overcelebrating, thus becoming the jail’s first occupants. Rumor has it that they were also the first escapees – as they had failed to bolt down the roof. ECV October, 1982.

Erected 1982 by California State Department of Parks and Recreation and E Clampus Vitus, Yerba Buena Chapter No. 1. (Marker Number 429.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the E Clampus Vitus series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is October 1, 1731.

Location.

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38° 54.622′ N, 122° 36.672′ W. Marker is in Lower Lake, California, in Lake County. Marker is on Main Street, 0.1 miles east of California Route 29, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 16118 Main Street, Lower Lake CA 95457, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Lower Lake Schoolhouse (approx. 0.3 miles away); Stone House (approx. 7.3 miles away); Sulphur Bank Mine (approx. 7.9 miles away); Ranch House (approx. 10.8 miles away); First Methodist Church Site (approx. 11 miles away); First Church in Middletown (approx. 11 miles away); Old Bull Trail Road and St. Helena Toll Road (approx. 11.2 miles away).

Lower Lake Stone Jail Marker - Reverse Side image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, March 1, 2008

2. Lower Lake Stone Jail Marker - Reverse Side

NSGW plaque above the doorway of the Lower Lake Stone Jail image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein

3. NSGW plaque above the doorway of the Lower Lake Stone Jail

Dedicated to the service
of the
People of California
by the
Native Sons of the Golden West
Grand President ~ Joseph B. Perez
January 13, 1968

Lower Lake Stone Jail and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, March 1, 2008

4. Lower Lake Stone Jail and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 23, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,999 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 23, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 3. submitted on May 16, 2011, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 4. submitted on June 23, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.