Union County Jail

Standing next to the Union County Courthouse is the historic Union County Jail, which was built in 1823. Designed by renowned architect Robert Mills, who designed a number of federal buildings as well as the Washington Monument, the jail was built with stone blocks that form 21-inch thick stone walls and features a three arched-entrance. It is unclear if the old jail is currently used or open to the public.

The jail is listed on the National Register of Historic places and is a contributing property of the Union Downtown Historic District. The jail is primarily significant for its association with Mills, who incorporated innovations into the design, including fireproofing. He also did not include a basement, which prevented prisoners from escaping by digging a tunnel, and recommended that the caretaker's apartment overlook the jail (the sheriff's apartment is the attached one-story wing on the west side of the building). Mills was also concerned with the prisoners' well being. He believed basement jail cells were unhealthy and hindered ventilation. The jail cells were located on the first floor and the second floor was a large room where criminals were hanged. Eventually cells were added on the second floor. Two wings were added, one in 1954 and the other in 1974.

Brabham, William H. "Union County Jail." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. August 30, 1974. https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/5eb81b13-dbf8-401a-b082-a32020a3f3e3.