Located one block away from the historic Simpson County Courthouse is the current home of the Simpson County Historical Society. The historical society is located in the Old Stone Jail, and the adjoining Old Jailer’s Quarters. The Old Jailer’s Quarters served as the Simpson County jail from 1830 until 1879, when the stone structure was built. The Jailer’s Quarters houses various rooms containing artifacts and documents pertaining to different eras in the history of Simpson County. The military room of the museum contains military memorabilia, and unique Civil War graffiti featuring drawings of military leaders of the Civil War. Other rooms in the Jailer’s Quarters contain memorabilia, artifacts, and documents pertaining to the history of Simpson County.

In 1879 a more secure structure, the Old Stone Jail, was built. The building was constructed from limestone blocks quarried from a Simpson county quarry and delivered to the jail site by ox cart. The blocks themselves are hammered smooth on the interior sides and left rough on the exterior sides. The interior of the jail has the appearance of a cross between the Mayberry town jail and the “Shawshank Redemption” prison. The six cells per floor were equipped with steel bar doors and hinges. The first cell is completely restored to its original “glory” with sleeping racks, a stuffed prisoner taking a nap, and a hole in the floor for the prisoners to “do their business.”

The stone jail was used until 1986 when the prisoners were moved to a modern facility a few blocks away. The jail opened to the public in 1989 for tours and research. The Jail and Archives are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The hours on Saturday are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free. Call 270-586-4228 for more information.

About the Author:
James is the author of Free Kentucky:The best free things to see and do in the Bluegrass State.