Adams County Jail, United States historic place
The Adams County Jail is a two-story limestone building in Corning built in 1877 with a rectangular shape and hipped roof. The Greek Revival style features symmetrical forms and strong lines that convey a solid, official appearance typical of public buildings from that era.
The building was constructed in 1877 and served as the county's main jail for 78 years, also providing living quarters for the sheriff or jailer. A tragic event occurred in 1887 when John W. McKenzie, a local farmer, was lynched there.
The building bears the name of Adams County and holds meaning in how the town remembers its past. It represents an era when justice and order were central to community life, and visitors can sense how the town values its heritage.
The site is easy to find on Benton Avenue and offers visitors insight into 19th-century architecture and local law enforcement history. Walking around the building helps you understand how security and prison life functioned over a century ago.
The building served not only as a jail but also provided living quarters for the sheriff or jailer, reflecting how law enforcement was woven into daily life in the 1800s. The hipped roof design with its sloped sides sets it apart from other government buildings of the era.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
