The Old Jail
The Old
Jail was built in 1913, a two story brick structure with a pyramidal
roof. Except for the addition of a wing at the East elevation in
1930, the building has retained a remarkable degree of original detailing
of the period. Particularly notable are the quoins, which frame the
main building and are unusually stylish details for a jail. This
is one of the oldest public buildings of Alexander County and one
of the oldest jails still standing in North Carolina.
Today
the Old Jail houses a small museum concerning the former jailers
and their families who lived in the jail supervising the prisoners.
The
Old Jail is also home to ACAAI's Genealogical Research Library. The
collection includes local census, obituary files, family records
as well as books, periodicals, microfilm, photographs and other research
media. Here you can network with others who may be researching the
same lines you are researching. Our volunteers can point you in the
right direction with local history queries and resources.
The Alexander
County Ancestry Association was formed in 1983 (originally as the
Alexander County Genealogical Society). During 1986-87 this group
published the Heritage Of Alexander County.
During
the 1990's the group evolved to become ACAAI and received a 25 year
lease of the Old Jail in Taylorsville from Alexander County. The Old
Jail Preservation Project began with the rebuilding of the porches
and the reroofing of the building. Currently the replacement of the
old, damaged windows and the painting of the interior of the building
are ongoing projects for the building.The contractor
is working on this restoration and when completed, the upstairs of
the Old Jail will be open to the public. There are 4 of 10 original
jail cells still intact and are located upstairs.
The Alexander
County Ancestry Association, Inc. invites you to stop by see their
exhibits, research your family's history, learn the history of our
Old Jail. You can also choose from a selection of books available
for purchase, calendars featuring historical stores in Alexander
County, and the custom designed, jacquard woven coverlet/afghan of
Alexander County, featuring historic landmarks.
