Knox County Jail, County jail in Knoxville, Illinois.
The Knox County Jail features a two-story brick structure with primitive solitary confinement cells on the first floor and two cell blocks on the second floor.
Built in 1845 by contractor Alvah Wheeler for $7,724, this facility replaced an earlier log jail that was determined to provide insufficient security for the county.
The building now functions as part of the Knox County Museum, presenting exhibits about local law enforcement and justice administration in the 19th century.
The jail connects directly to the former living quarters of the jailer and family, allowing visitors to examine the daily operations of a 19th-century correctional facility.
This location witnessed the county's only official execution in 1873 when John M. Osborne faced hanging for the murder of Adelia Matthews.
Location: Knoxville
GPS coordinates: 40.90869,-90.28511
Latest update: September 23, 2025 14:24
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