History

The Chilton County Jail is a historic building located in Clanton, Alabama. It was built in 1885 and served as the county jail until 1982. The jail is a two-story brick building with a central tower. It has been renovated and now houses the Chilton County Historical Society.

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Early History

The first jail in Chilton County was built in 1833. It was a log cabin located in the town of Verbena. The cabin was used as a jail until 1850 when it was replaced by a two-story brick building. The brick jail was designed by architect John Barnett and constructed by contractor William H. Baldwin. The jail was completed in 1852 and served as the county jail until 1885.

The New Jail

In 1885, the Chilton County Commission decided to build a new jail. The commission hired architect John M. Bonner to design the new jail. Bonner designed a two-story brick building with a central tower. The jail was constructed by contractor R. H. McWhorter and completed in 1886.

The new jail was a significant improvement over the old jail. It was larger, more secure, and had better living conditions for the inmates. The jail also had a separate section for female inmates.

The Jail Today

The Chilton County Jail served as the county jail until 1982. In 1982, a new jail was built and the old jail was closed. The old jail was later renovated and now houses the Chilton County Historical Society. The historical society offers tours of the jail and has a museum that tells the story of the jail and its inmates.

Famous Inmates

Over the years, the Chilton County Jail has housed a number of famous inmates, including:

• Jimmie Rodgers, the "Father of Country Music," was arrested in Chilton County in 1928 for public intoxication. He was released after paying a $5 fine.
• George Wallace, the former governor of Alabama, was arrested in Chilton County in 1963 for refusing to allow black students to enroll at the University of Alabama. He was released after posting a $10,000 bond.
• Harper Lee, the author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "To Kill a Mockingbird," was arrested in Chilton County in 1960 for participating in a civil rights demonstration. She was released after paying a $100 fine.

Hauntings

The Chilton County Jail is said to be haunted by the ghosts of former inmates. Visitors to the jail have reported hearing strange noises, seeing apparitions, and feeling cold spots. Some people believe that the ghosts are the spirits of inmates who died in the jail or who were executed there.

Preservation

The Chilton County Jail is a historic landmark and a reminder of the county's past. The jail is now owned and operated by the Chilton County Historical Society. The historical society offers tours of the jail and has a museum that tells the story of the jail and its inmates. The historical society is also working to preserve the jail and to ensure that it remains a part of the community for many years to come.

Visiting the Jail

The Chilton County Jail is open to the public for tours. Tours are offered on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The cost of the tour is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children. The jail is also available for private events, such as birthday parties and corporate retreats.