One of the only surviving examples of a 19th-century jailhouse, the Old Truckee Jail is in Truckee, California. It was used continuously from 1875 to 1964.
The original building was constructed of local stone with 32-inch thick walls. It had no windows, only vents for each cell. The doors are made of riveted steel weighing approximately 200 pounds each.
The town initially only could hold prisoners in a calaboose (prison) located in Brickelltown. The prison was not large enough for the needs. At least one prisoner a day was being sent to Nevada City.
The town decided to raise money to build a local jail. The contract was given to James Stewart, a local stonemason. The funds were raised from money collected from nineteen citizens. Each citizen donated $25 towards the new jail.
The construction started on August 11, 1875, and was finished on September 22, 1875. The jail held several notorious figures, including “Ma” Spinelli and her gang, and “Baby Face” Nelson.
In 1901, a second story was added to the jail. But there were issues with the building. Two desperados were able to escape from the jail in 1904. In 1908, Constable Augustus Schlumpf received funds to improve the jail.
After closing in 1964, the Truckee Donner Historical Society received permission to restore the building in 1974. It was converted into a local museum.
Historical Marker Inscription
1875
Old Truckee Jail
Buit in September 1875 and in continuous use until 1964
Plaque No. 2 – E Clampus Vitus
Chief Truckee – No. 3691
1966
Re-dedicated July 4, 1978
Historical Markers of the World 