Pottawattamie County Jail, Historic rotary jail museum in Council Bluffs, United States
The Pottawattamie County Jail features three stories of rotating pie-shaped cells within a cylindrical cage, making it the tallest of its kind.
Built in 1885 at a cost of $30,000, this facility operated as a functioning correctional institution until its closure in 1969.
The Historical Society maintains exhibits documenting local law enforcement history, corrections practices, and architectural innovations of late 19th century prison design.
Visitors can participate in guided tours through the former jail cells, administrative offices, and living quarters while learning about incarceration methods.
The rotating mechanism allowed guards to access only one cell at a time by turning a hand crank, representing an innovative approach to prisoner management.
Location: Iowa
Website: https://thehistoricalsociety.org/museums/squirrel-cage-jail.html
GPS coordinates: 41.27639,-95.84417
Latest update: March 8, 2025 07:56
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