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Old Colleton County Jail

Introduction

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The Old Colleton County Jail was built in 1856 and served in that capacity until 1937. It is historically significant in that it is a rare example in the area of Neo Gothic architecture. Today it houses the Colleton County Probate Court. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

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Built in 1856, the Old Colleton County Jail is an excellent example of Neo Gothic architecture. It operated until 1937 when it was converted into office space for the county government.

Plant, Property, Building, Tree

Backstory and Context

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Prominent South Carolina architects Edward C. Jones and Francis D. Lee designed the old jail, which replaced the previous jail built in 1882. They were prolific architects of the period, designing a variety of buildings throughout the state including churches, courthouses, homes, colleges, and businesses. With its crenelated parapet, turrets, and tower with a lancet window above the main entrance, the jail resembles a small castle. Other notable features include the stuccoed exterior and the enclosed main entrance porch that features arrow slits and a pointed arch. After the jail closed in 1937, it was converted into county government office space. Various county departments have occupied the building over the years.

Sources

Ruhf, Nancy. "Old Colleton County Jail." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. May 14, 1971. https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/16bc4f68-35cb-4d2e-9b69-cd4c804b55b7.

"Walterboro Jail." The Historical Marker Database. Accessed May 26, 2021. https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=9970.

Image Sources(Click to expand)

Bill Fitzpatrick, via Wikimedia Commons: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Old_Colleton_County_Jail.jpg

Additional Information