Lake County Sheriff's House and Jail

The Lake County Sheriff's House and Jail is a two-story brick structure with a three-story projecting tower, mansard roof, and one-story porch featuring Tuscan columns located at 226 South Main Street. The design integrated the sheriff's living quarters with jail cells in a single building.

Constructed in 1882, the building served as both a sheriff's residence and jail facility until 1974. It played a central role in local law enforcement operations for over nine decades.

The Second Empire style with its mansard roof and tower design was typical for Midwestern government buildings in the 1880s. This architectural choice communicated authority and importance in the local community.

The Old Sheriff's House Foundation maintains the property and welcomes visitors year-round to explore the former cells and sheriff's living spaces. Tours allow you to walk through both the residential areas and detention rooms to understand daily life in this dual-purpose building.

The notorious bank robber John Dillinger escaped from here in 1934 after taking Sheriff Lillian Holley's personal car for his getaway. This dramatic incident became one of the most famous events in the facility's history.

Location: Indiana

GPS coordinates: 41.41580,-87.36420

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:23