Jailhouse Rocks
On our early morning walk, Buddy and I walked through the wet grass to investigate. The real estate ad was pasted on the door, showing its convenient location and view of the bay. SOLD was scribbled across it. Definitely not it. On our way back to the road, I glanced up and saw bars on a second-story window peering above the little house. I’d never noticed that before. The brick is painted white, and the few windows are barred. We went back to the little house and followed the brick sidewalk around the building where we saw heavy doors with huge hinges, and steel bars on the windows.
I learned restoration began in 2017, by Down East Preservation, our own Dawson Tyler, who is doing our restoration. The small brick house was the jailer’s residence built in 1905. The jail, however, was built in 1825. It was the fifth jail to be built in the county. I guess they finally got it right. The jail was in service until 1980.This jail saw Nat Turner’s Rebellion, and events of the Civil War, Reconstruction and civil rights. There are cells in both stories. The interior cells and walls have been made safe for visitors, and the interpretive information is being prepared. It will soon be on the historical tours of the town. The grand opening is expected to take place in September. I’ll be first in line.