Embedded Files
200 W. Lafayette Street
Palmyra, MO 63461
Wednesdays
10:00 am-2:00 pm
Available for special individual or group tours by appointment
Built in 1858, the Marion County Jail and Jailer's House is a historic jail and sheriff's residence located at the corner of Lafayette and Dickerson Streets in Palmyra, Missouri. It was used as a federal prison during the Civil War and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
A Civil War History and Genealogy Resource Center is located in the Old Jail.
The museum is open Wednesdays 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Admission is free, but donations are always appreciated. For special times or tours contact Carol Brentlinger at 573-822-7598
Principal Jail
Principal Jail
40 feet long by 35 feet wide
Constructed of non-laminate limestone
Original floor was semi-dressed limestone. Now covered in concrete.
Each horizontal surface of the limestone blocks is keyed with stone courses above and below by placing a cannonball into two half-spherical concave cups chiseled into each stone.
This was to prevent prisoner escapes. Prisoners would not be able to move the block.
For male prisoners only
Jailer's House
Jailer's House
The jailer's house was the home of the jailer and his family. (It was attached to the jail)
45 feet wide by 36 feet deep with a large rear ell (the jail)
Constructed of soft local brick
Has a complete basement
Was last used as a residence during the 1970's
2 cells for female prisoners are located on the landing of the stairs.
Principal Jail
Principal Jail
Male Cells
Male Cells
- The male cells were located in the main prison.
- There were two stories of cells.
- In April of 1920 the upper cells were removed to give better light and ventilation.
- This area was later enclosed and again used as a cell.
Entrance to the men's jail cells
Entrance to the men's jail cells
Open door leading to the men's cells
Open door leading to the men's cells
Female Cells
Female Cells
The womens' cells were located off the landing of the stairs of the jailer's home.
The womens' cells were located off the landing of the stairs of the jailer's home.
There was a thick wooden door in front of the cell doors to provide privacy for the family and to soften the noise.
Later, the cell on the left was used for juveniles.
Jailer's House
Jailer's House
Jailer's House
Jailer's House
The porch (portico) on the jailer's house was added in 1901. There once was a fence close to the front door with hitching posts and a bench on the outside of the fence.
New Addition to the Jailer's House
New Addition to the Jailer's House
Donated by Dallas and Mary Elliot, the stove has been restored by Nik Yager, a member of Heritage Seekers, and is now in the kitchen area.
Sheriff's Office
Front Hallway & Stairs
Parlor
Kitchen
Views of the interior of the Jailer's House
Views of the interior of the Jailer's House
Upstairs Bedroom
Child's Bedroom
Upstairs Bedroom
Building the Jail
Building the Jail
Alexander B. Asay was appointed superintendent for the building of the jail and jailer's house. He had $400 to purchase the land.
The cost for the jail was $15,000.
The Construction
The Construction
A. C. Lightfoot from Illinois was awarded the bid for the stonework for the jail, the foundation of the jailer's house, and all the work in the jail except the iron work and the plumbing.
Matthew Fletcher was awarded the bid for the completion of the jailer's house.
Architectural Description
Architectural Description
The Jail was built in 1858, and is a two-story, three bay, Greek Revival style brick I-house with a broad two story limestone ell. It now features a full-width, one story front porch supported by smooth tampering Doric order columns.
The Ironwork
The Ironwork
Thomas I. Baker of Cincinnati, Ohio was awarded the bid for the ironwork for the jail cells, plumbing, doors, and similar items.
Timeline of the Old Jail Museum
Timeline of the Old Jail Museum
1858.....The jail is built. Robert Shacklett was the sheriff during the construction.
1861-1865 Civil War...The jail is used as federal prison for Confederate prisoners. Because Robert Shacklett refused to take the oath of allegiance to the Union, he was forced to give up his office.
1862, September....Col. Joseph Porter raided Palmyra and released the prisoners at the federal jail.
1862, October 18.....Palmyra Massacre
1872, March...All prisoners escape, but were later captured.
1893.....A sewer line was run from the courthouse to the jail.
1912.....The portico is added to the Jailer's House.
1915.....A bathroom was installed in one of the cells on the east side.
1920, April....The upper cells of the jail were removed to give better light and ventilation.
1926.....It is considered to be the safest jail in this section of the state.
1976....The house was last used as a residence.
1992, December 24.....The jail was last used in 1992 when Marion County Correctional facility was completed.
2002.....It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
2022-2023 The Old Marion County Jail underwent repairs and renovations. The brick was tuckpointed, the limestone blocks were powerwashed, tuckpointed, and repainted, windows were rebuilt, period guttering was installed, and displays were updated.
Civil War History
Civil War History
The Old Jail has a collection of Civil War items and documents.
The Old Jail has a collection of Civil War items and documents.
Palmyra Massacre Memorial
Palmyra Massacre Memorial
Palmyra Massacre
Palmyra Massacre
Perhaps the most infamous event connected with the Old Jail is what is known as the Palmyra Massacre. In 1862, during the Civil War, ten prisoners accused of being Confederates were shot in retaliation for the failure to produce a Union supporter, Andrew Allsman, who had disappeared.
Perhaps the most infamous event connected with the Old Jail is what is known as the Palmyra Massacre. In 1862, during the Civil War, ten prisoners accused of being Confederates were shot in retaliation for the failure to produce a Union supporter, Andrew Allsman, who had disappeared.
The ten men were executed on October 18, 1862 on the orders of General John McNeil, who became known as the "Butcher of Palmyra." The executions were widely condemned by the media and by citizens on both sides of the war and in other countries.
The ten men were executed on October 18, 1862 on the orders of General John McNeil, who became known as the "Butcher of Palmyra." The executions were widely condemned by the media and by citizens on both sides of the war and in other countries.
Palmyra Massacre letters are available for viewing at:
https://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/mdh_splash/default?coll=palmyramassacre#:~:text=The%20farewell%20letters%20were%20written,addresses%20the%20Reverend%20James%20S.
Genealogical Resource Center
Genealogical Resource Center
For assistance with genealogical research, contact Josh Clayton, genealogical resource assistant, at groverdill36@gmail.com
1860 Map of Palmyra
1860 Map of Palmyra
In 2008, a pre-Civil War map of Palmyra was discovered. It was in very poor condition, but thanks to the efforts of the Missouri State Archives' Conservation Laboratory, it has been restored. The link below shows the process of the restoration. A large copy of the map can be view at the Old Jail.
https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/LocalRecords/PalmyraMapConservTreat.pdf
National Register of Historic Places Registration Form for Marion County Jail and Jailor's House
National Register of Historic Places Registration Form for Marion County Jail and Jailor's House
The original nomination documents for placement of the Old Jail on the National Register of Historic Places can be viewed at:
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/63819734/content/electronic-records/rg-079/NPS_MO/02001100.pdf
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse