Franklin County Sheriff's Residence and Jail

The Franklin County Sheriff's Residence and Jail is a two-story Italianate building that combines residential quarters with jail cells in one structure. Women and juvenile inmates occupied a cell on the second floor, while male prisoners were housed in a separate cell block located behind the main residence.

The facility was constructed in 1880 with cell systems sourced from a manufacturer in St. Louis. It operated as an active jail for over a century before closure in 1988.

The building shows how law enforcement officials and their families lived in the same structure as prisoners during the 1800s. This arrangement reflects the daily reality of how sheriffs managed their duties from home.

The building is located in the downtown area at a central address and is easy to reach on foot. Visitors should note that the structure has distinct sections that served different purposes within the facility.

The sheriff's wife managed daily jail operations, preparing meals and handling laundry services for the inmates from within the residence. This role made her an essential part of how the facility actually functioned day to day.

Location: Hampton

Architectural style: Italianate architecture

Part of: Hampton Double Square Historic District

Address: 18 East Central Avenue

GPS coordinates: 42.74194,-93.20639

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:46