Old Vanderburgh County Jail

American Historic Place

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The Old Jail and Former Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Residence

The Old Vanderburgh County Jail, commonly referred to as "the Old Jail," was built in 1890 in Evansville, Indiana. The Old Jail is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[1] The Old Jail consists of two different structures that are attached: (1) the actual jail and (2) the former Vanderburgh County sheriff's residence.

## Architecture

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The Old Vanderburgh County Jail is modeled after Lichtenstein Castle.

The Old Jail is rich in exquisite examples of 19th century American architecture. The stone building itself is designed to invoke fear in the observer. Its exterior consists of step-gables, projecting turrets, crenelated roof lines, simulated portcullis, and a central keep, or rounded tower. The entrance presents pointed arches to lengthen the appearance of this part of the building. All of these elements add to the castle-like appearance of the structure.[2]

The Old Jail is modeled after Lichtenstein Castle. It was designed by architect Henry Wolters, who was also the architect responsible for designing the Old Vanderburgh County Courthouse. Both structures were built at the same time and still have a tunnel that connects them. The tunnel can still be accessed from Woods & Woods law office.[3]

## History

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The Old Vanderburgh County Jail was completed in 1890 and housed inmates until 1967. It sat empty and dilapidated until renovations started in the 1990s.[4] It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.[5]

The Old Jail was the site of a race-riot in 1903 after an African-American male shot a white police officer. The violence raged throughout the night and by morning on July 5, 1903, 12 people were dead.[6] One of the deceased was a 12-year-old-girl who was accidentally shot in her parents' carriage. 300 state militia members were sent to Evansville after the governor declared martial law.[7]

## Notable Inmates

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Leslie Irvin, a.k.a. "Mad Dog," was a serial killer that terrorized southwestern Indiana from December 2, 1954 to March 28, 1955. His case went to the U.S. Supreme Court and set legal precedence for pre-trial publicity.[8]

## Current Use

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Following several years of renovations in the late 1990s, the Old Jail was brought back to her former glory. The Old Jail is now the headquarters of Woods & Woods veterans disability benefits attorneys.[9]

## References

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1. ^ Engler, Joe. "Historic Evansville - Old Jail and Sheriff's Residence". historicevansville.com. Retrieved May 11, 2017.
2. ^ Engler, Joe. "Historic Evansville - Old Jail and Sheriff's Residence". historicevansville.com. Retrieved May 11, 2017.
3. ^ "History Lesson: Old Jail and Sheriff's Residence in Evansville". Evansville Courier & Press. Retrieved May 11, 2017.
4. ^ "Indiana Attorneys Work in Firm With Barred Windows". Lowering the Bar. November 23, 2007. Retrieved May 11, 2017.
5. ^ "National Register of Historic Places Registry Nomination" (PDF).
6. ^ "MOBS OF WHITES AND BLACKS RULE TOWN IN INDIANA (July 6, 1903)". Retrieved May 11, 2017.
7. ^ "Race Riot of 1903 | Evansville Living Magazine". www.evansvilleliving.com. Retrieved May 11, 2017.
8. ^ "Irvin v. Dowd (1961)". www.bc.edu. Retrieved May 11, 2017.
9. ^ "Woods & Woods Veterans Disability Benefits Attorneys".

37°58′24.4″N 87°34′22.8″W﻿ / ﻿37.973444°N 87.573000°W﻿ / 37.973444; -87.573000