National Register of Historic Places

Tama County Jail

Toledo, Tama County, Iowa
Listed
August 26, 1981
Type
Building
Period
Industrial
Ref No.
81000270

About this property

The former Tama County Jail, now known as the Tama County Historical Museum, is located in Toledo, Iowa, United States. Tama County was established in 1853 but did not have a jail. It sent its convicted criminals to neighboring counties. courthouse was completed in 1865, and discussions turned toward providing a jail. The county Board of Supervisors decided in January 1869 to proceed with plans, and in June 1870 they contracted with Toledo builder David Stoner to design and build the new building. It was completed by the end of the year. The sheriff and his family lived on the second floor and acted as the jailers. A two-story addition was built onto the rear of the building in the late 19th century to provide more space. By the 1960s the building was inadequate, and was condemned by a grand jury. It closed in 1970, and the county once again started to send its convicted criminals to neighboring counties. The county Historical Society has leased the building to use as a museum. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

Location

Toledo, Tama County, Iowa
41.99694, -92.57785

Categories

LAWPOLITICS/GOVERNMENT
National Register nomination ›
Sources

Property data from the National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service (public domain).

Description adapted from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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Native Heritage
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Settlement
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Historical Maps
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Nearby Historic Sites

Tama County Courthouse
Industrial
0 mi
Wieting Theater
Industrial
0.1 mi
First United Brethren Church
Industrial
0.1 mi
Hope Fire Company Engine House
Industrial
0.1 mi
Lincoln Highway Bridge
Industrial
2.4 mi

Questions about this property

When was Tama County Jail listed on the National Register?

Tama County Jail was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 26, 1981.

What type of historic resource is Tama County Jail?

Tama County Jail is classified as a building in the National Register of Historic Places.

What is the period of significance for Tama County Jail?

The period of significance for Tama County Jail is recorded as the industrial era.

Can I research the history near Tama County Jail?

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