Dubuque County Jail, Egyptian Revival prison in Dubuque, Iowa.
The limestone structure features three tiers of cells along the eastern wall, connected by catwalks for accessing upper cells in the building.
Built in 1857 during a financial depression, architect John Francis Rague designed this prison with cast iron doors and thick stone walls at 36 East 8th Street.
The building represents the antebellum penal reform movement and includes architectural elements such as sun disk symbols and decorative cast iron entrance columns.
The facility operated as a correctional institution until 1971, containing 32 cells and separate quarters for the sheriff's family within its two-story structure.
The basement contained a curved-ceiling cell block that held Confederate prisoners during the Civil War and later housed problematic inmates from upper levels.
Location: Iowa
Architects: John F. Rague
GPS coordinates: 42.50104,-90.66469
Latest update: March 18, 2025 18:54
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