Old Sheriff's Residence and Jail

The original wood frame jailhouse was built in 1854. By 1884, it was considered a disgrace, fire hazard, and had safety concerns. In 1885, a building committee was appointed by the County Board to build a sheriff's house and jail within the next year.

By September of 1886, the brick walls, roof, and iron cells had been completed and installed. Despite having been under construction for a full year, the committee determined the buildings were not complete and were $3,300 over their original $10,000 budget by December.

County Sheriffs were elected for two year terms and were required to reside in the new structure. Their families moved with them. Although this sounds like an unusual arrangement for today, it was not uncommon at the time. The Sheriff’s wife became the de facto matron of the jail and provided meals for prisoners using a food stipend provided by the County. She also cleaned and did their laundry. None of her work was paid. Twenty-six families lived in the Jailhouse between 1886 and 1962.

Although billed as “escape proof”, attempts and successful escapes did happen. One prisoner tried to remove bricks from the wall, another created a hole in the ceiling and gained access to the attic, only to be caught when trying to lower himself to the ground with knotted quilts and blankets. Another prisoner simply walked away while in the outdoor exercise yard unsupervised.

In 1953, the State Inspector of Jails and Prisons reported that a new jail was needed. The current one did not have visitor or consultation rooms, had inappropriate housing for women and juveniles and was a fire trap. Although a County Board committee did look into it, and had new plans drawn. It was decided not to expand or build a new jail and the fire escape was added to the back of the building instead.

The topic of a new jail arose again in 1957 and it was decided to have plans made to build a new County Jail and County Courthouse in a new location. By 1962 the current facilities on Hwy 33 were opened. The Old Courthouse became county offices. The Old Jail was considered for demolition, but was ultimately leased to the Historical Society, who was looking for a new home at the time. In 1999, the Washington County Historical Society had completed restoration efforts in the Old Courthouse and moved all of its collection to that building so restoration of the Old Jail and Sheriff’s Residence could begin. Today the Old Jail and Sheriff’s Residence stands as a unique house museum in the heart of West Bend.

Proceedings of the Washington County Board 1952 - 1953. West Bend, WI. Washington County, 1953.

Proceedings of the Washington County Board of Supervisors 1953-1954. West Bend, WI. Washington County, 1954.

Proceedings of the Washington County Board of Supervisors 1958-1959. West Bend, WI. Washington County, 1959.