Old York Gaol, Colonial prison in York, Maine.
Old York Gaol is a stone structure with wooden components built across two floors containing prison cells and separate quarters for the jailer's use. The building features a gambrel roof and extremely thick walls constructed to house detainees securely.
Building began in 1720 using salvaged materials from an earlier 1656 jail that stood on the same site. This makes it one of the oldest surviving public structures still standing in the United States.
The building shows how colonial communities housed their prisoners and reflects the separation between detainees and staff in the same structure. Visitors can observe the cramped cells and the everyday quarters where the jailer and family lived alongside them.
Guided tours are offered from May through October, allowing visitors to explore the original cells and staff quarters. Plan to visit during warmer months when tours operate regularly.
The walls combine thick stone sections with interior oak planking, creating an exceptionally resilient structural system. Much of the original iron hardware including door hinges and locking mechanisms remains visible and functional today.
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