Franklin County Jail

Franklin County Jail is a brick building with limestone trim located on Main Street in Benton, originally serving as both a jail and the sheriff's residence. The hip roof with gabled dormers and front porch give the structure its distinctive appearance from that era.

The building was constructed in 1905 to replace an older facility from the 1840s that no longer met growing needs. It remained operational until 1990, when the state of Illinois closed it.

The building reflects its dual purpose as both a jail and the sheriff's home, with the architecture showing how these two functions coexisted under one roof. Visitors can observe how this mixed use shaped the layout and design of the structure.

The building is now open to visitors and can be toured with proper planning to see the historical rooms and their original purpose. It helps to gather information in advance to ensure a well-organized visit experience.

Charlie Birger, a notorious criminal from that era, spent his final days in this jail before his execution in 1928. This episode made the location a noted part of local history.

Location: Benton

GPS coordinates: 38.00420,-88.91610

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:24