Historic Chattahoochee County Jail đź“Ť Location: Corner of Mt. Olive & Boyd Street, Cusseta, Georgia
đź“… Historical Marker Dedicated: September 14, 2002
Built in 1902, the Chattahoochee County Jail stands as a striking example of early 20th-century civic architecture. This two-story, fireproof structure was constructed by the Pauly Jail and Manufacturing Company of St. Louis, Missouri, at a cost of $5,000, replacing the original two-story log jail from the 1850s.
The building features Romanesque architectural influences, including arched windows and doorways, along with an extended central bay that enhances its stately appearance. On the second floor, the original prefabricated iron cells remain intact, complete with unique corner fireplaces, offering a rare glimpse into the penal design of the time.
The jail was actively used until 1975 and was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 13, 1986.
The site itself holds even earlier history. The property was purchased shortly after Chattahoochee County was established in 1854, and the first jail—a two-story log structure—was completed in 1855 under the supervision of Sheriff Silas Brown. That original jail measured 18 by 22 feet and featured double walls separated by 15 inches. When the current facility was completed in 1902, LaFayette Harp was serving as sheriff.
This historic landmark was commemorated with a marker in 2002, jointly erected by the Historic Chattahoochee Commission and the Chattahoochee County Historic Preservation Society.