Highlands/Perkins in Baton Rouge in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
Oak Ridge, Louisiana Jail
circa 1850
December 18, 2009
1. Oak Ridge, Louisiana Jail Marker
Inscription.
Oak Ridge, Louisiana Jail. circa 1850. The Oak Ridge Jail is believed to be the only surviving pre Civil War wooden jail in Louisiana. The parish sheriff used it to lock up any criminals, whether free or slave. It is of plank construction with no corner posts or framing materials. The walls, floors and ceiling are fabricated of three sets of heart pine, laminated together with thousands of nails. This construction technique created a four inch thick wall that could not be penetrated with an axe or hatchet. Chains and shackles were located on the walls of the two small cells., Mrs. Emily Murphy of Oak Ridge, Louisiana donated the jail for the McEnery Family.
The Oak Ridge Jail is believed to be the only surviving pre Civil War wooden jail in Louisiana. The parish sheriff used it to lock up any criminals, whether free or slave. It is of plank construction with no corner posts or framing materials. The walls, floors and ceiling are fabricated of three sets of heart pine, laminated together with thousands of nails. This construction technique created a four inch thick wall that could not be penetrated with an axe or hatchet. Chains and shackles were located on the walls of the two small cells.
Mrs. Emily Murphy of Oak Ridge, Louisiana donated the jail for the McEnery Family.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.
Location. 30° 24.662′ N, 91° 6.899′ W. Marker is in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in East Baton Rouge Parish. It is in Highlands/Perkins. Marker can be reached from Essen Lane near Interstate 10, on the right when traveling south. Located on the grounds of the LSU Rural Life Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4560 Essen Ln, Baton Rouge LA 70808, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ship's Bell... (a few steps from this marker); Pioneer Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); Single-Pen Slave Cabin (within shouting
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2015. This page has been viewed 582 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 7, 2015. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
