Delmar Calaboose

The Delmar Calaboose is a former jail building made of thick sandstone walls with narrow window openings secured by metal grates. The structure features a vaulted concrete roof and served as a small detention facility for the growing settlement.

The jail was built in 1878 following the town's founding, when concerns grew about disorder caused by railroad workers and illegal liquor sales. Its construction reflected the community's need for law enforcement infrastructure as the settlement expanded rapidly.

The building's name comes from the Spanish word "calabozo", reflecting how language from frontier cultures shaped American law enforcement terminology. This connection shows how different cultural words blended into the vocabulary of settling communities.

The building sits in downtown Delmar on Vane Street and is easily visible from the street for viewing. Being located near other historic buildings allows visitors to explore multiple sites during a walking tour of the town.

The heavy cast iron entrance door with strap hinges remains in place, showing the original security features of this nineteenth-century jail. This intact door reveals the practical engineering needed to keep detainees secured.

Location: Iowa

Architectural style: vernacular architecture

GPS coordinates: 42.00056,-90.60583

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:43