History
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The Herkimer County Jail is a historic building located in Herkimer, New York. It was built in 1837 and is significant as an example of early 19th-century jail architecture. The jail is also significant for its association with the Underground Railroad, as it was a stop on the route to freedom for enslaved people fleeing to Canada.
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Construction
The Herkimer County Jail was built in 1837. It is a three-story stone building with a Greek Revival facade. The jail features a central block with two wings, each of which contains two cells. The cells are small and dark, with only a small window for ventilation.
Use
The Herkimer County Jail was used to house prisoners from 1837 until 1981. During that time, the jail was overcrowded and unsanitary, and conditions for prisoners were often poor. In 1981, the jail was closed and a new jail was built.
Underground Railroad
The Herkimer County Jail was a stop on the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved people to escape to freedom in Canada. The jail was used as a safe house by abolitionists who helped enslaved people escape to freedom.
Current Status
The Herkimer County Jail is now a museum. It is open to the public and offers tours of the jail. The museum also has exhibits on the history of the jail and the Underground Railroad.
Significance
The Herkimer County Jail is a significant historic building for its architecture, its association with the Underground Railroad, and its role in the history of Herkimer County. The jail is a reminder of the harsh conditions that prisoners faced in the 19th century and the importance of the Underground Railroad in helping enslaved people escape to freedom.
Architecture
The Herkimer County Jail is a three-story stone building with a Greek Revival facade. The jail features a central block with two wings, each of which contains two cells. The cells are small and dark, with only a small window for ventilation.
The jail's exterior is made of coursed ashlar limestone. The front facade features a central portico with four Doric columns. The portico is flanked by two windows on each side. The second and third stories of the jail feature a row of windows on each side.
The jail's interior is simple and functional. The central block contains a large room that was used as a common area for prisoners. The wings contain the cells, which are arranged in two tiers. The cells are small and dark, with only a small window for ventilation.
The Herkimer County Jail is a well-preserved example of early 19th-century jail architecture. The jail's Greek Revival facade and simple interior reflect the architectural styles of the time. The jail is also significant for its association with the Underground Railroad.
The Herkimer County Jail and the Underground Railroad
The Herkimer County Jail was a stop on the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved people to escape to freedom in Canada. The jail was used as a safe house by abolitionists who helped enslaved people escape to freedom.
The jail was a particularly important stop on the Underground Railroad because it was located in a rural area. This made it a good place for enslaved people to hide from slave catchers. The jail was also located near the Canadian border, which made it easy for enslaved people to escape to freedom.
The Herkimer County Jail played an important role in the Underground Railroad. It is estimated that hundreds of enslaved people passed through the jail on their way to freedom. The jail is a reminder of the importance of the Underground Railroad in helping enslaved people escape to freedom.
The Herkimer County Jail Museum
The Herkimer County Jail is now a museum. It is open to the public and offers tours of the jail. The museum also has exhibits on the history of the jail and the Underground Railroad.
The museum is a popular tourist destination. It is a reminder of the harsh conditions that prisoners faced in the 19th century and the importance of the Underground Railroad in helping enslaved people escape to freedom.
The Herkimer County Jail Museum is a valuable resource for learning about the history of the jail, the Underground Railroad, and Herkimer County. The museum is a reminder of the importance of freedom and the fight for justice.