Lancaster County Jail - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

Lancaster County Jail

Lancaster, South Carolina

This historic jailhouse was designed by famed architect Robert Mills.  

Lancaster County Jail View all photos
Lancaster County Jail igrohs (Atlas Obscura User)
Lancaster County Jail
Lancaster County Jail igrohs (Atlas Obscura User)
Lancaster County Jail
Lancaster County Jail igrohs (Atlas Obscura User)
Lancaster County Jail
Lancaster County Jail igrohs (Atlas Obscura User)
Lancaster County Jail
Lancaster County Jail igrohs (Atlas Obscura User)
14
69
Top Places in Lancaster
Springs Park
Lancaster, South Carolina
North Corner Boundary Stone
Lancaster, South Carolina
 See All

The Lancaster County Jail was designed by Robert Mills and built in 1823. The building was designated a national historic landmark in 1973 due to its connection to Robert Mills, who is recognized as the first American-born architect, and who is most famously known for designing the Washington Monument.

The building incorporates several design features that are linked to jail reforms intended to improve living conditions for both prisoners and guards. A few of these changes included separate living quarters for the inmates and guards, separating debtors from other inmates, and improving airflow into the building to name a few.

The facility is beautifully preserved and can be viewed from Gay Street in Lancaster. 

jails design architecture
Community Contributors
igrohs
Added by
igrohs
Published
October 4, 2023
Edit this listing
Make an Edit Add Photos
Nearby
North Corner Boundary Stone
7.16 miles
Landsford Canal State Park
8.37 miles
Springs Park
9.83 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
North Corner Boundary Stone
Lancaster, South Carolina

North Corner Boundary Stone

The last refinements in the North Carolina-South Carolina boundary were marked with this stone.
Fort Lawn, South Carolina

Landsford Canal State Park

Amazing pre-Civil War ruins alongside a shallow, rocky river that hosts beautiful (but endangered) lilies.
Lancaster, South Carolina

Springs Park

A nearly century-old amusement park is quietly decaying in a riverside forest in South Carolina.
A sculpture of the Tower of Babel, by Alan Baughman, from the Introductory Room of the Museum of the Alphabet
Waxhaw, North Carolina

The Museum of the Alphabet

Trace the history of writing at this unusual North Carolina destination.
Related Places
The small concert room.
Liverpool, England

St George's Hall

Charles Dickens described the concert room in this amazing Victorian hall as "the most perfect room in the world."
Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Philippines

Subic Spanish Gate

This impressive gate is the only remaining remnant of a Spanish naval station.
Şehzadeler, Turkey

Saruhan Bey Pine Tree

A centuries-old pine tree is growing through the floor and roof of this building.
Castillo de Iscar (Iscar Castle)
Iscar, Spain

Castillo de Iscar (Iscar Castle)

This Castilian castle has stood the test of time like few others.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web