I haven’t been able to locate a history of this structure yet, but it was likely built around 1900-1915. Citadel-style jails like this were popular at that time. I know it was in use as the county building inspector’s office as late as 2008.
Ronald Scarborough recalled: It was also the Sheriff’s residence. Too bad the old City Jail has been torn down. It had two cells with steel doors on the front. It had old fashioned steel bars on the windows. The jail also had no furniture, no heat and no plumbing.
Bleckley County was formed in 1912. The jail and courthouse were built in 1914. It has since been returned to the original brick. The sheriff’s office, kitchen, visiting/common room and first floor jail cells, and upstairs living quarters are still accessible. Upstairs, you have access to the living quarters, but the second floor jail cells are no longer accessible.
The jail cells are block with iron doors that have a small window with bars. I can’t imagine 24 hours a day in those cells prior to the 1970’s jail reforms. It held a lot of the underbelly of society including many an illegal whiskey maker during prohibition.
It is privately owned and the owner is doing a wonderful job preserving it.
What a shame that the brickwork was painted over with white. Cheapens the stature of the building. Agree with the time frame of construction.
I agree, Bryan, I’m not very fond of the whitewash.