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Music Trail

Old Wilkes Jail

"Hang down your head, Tom Dooley…"

Tom Dula, the subject of that well-known folksong, was one of many colorful characters to be incarcerated in the historic Old Wilkes Jail, in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Today, the jail is one of the most authentically preserved 19^th century buildings in the state.

Built in 1859, the jail held Union prisoners and stored Confederate provisions and ammunition during the Civil War. Later, the jail was one of the few places to successfully imprison one of the region's most famous "escape artists," Otto Wood, who spent time in the jail at the age of 15 for stealing a bicycle. During his criminal career, Wood managed to escape from ten jails.

The Old Wilkes Jail served as a working jail until 1915, when it was sold and its rooms were converted into rental apartments. It was scheduled for demolition in 1968, when the nonprofit organization Old Wilkes, Inc. stepped in and purchased the property, restored it to near authenticity, and opened it to the public as a museum in the 1970s.

The jail's unique history and roster of famous inmates makes it one of the best known historical structures in the state. Much of the restoration was done with original, authentic materials. All cells have the original wood and iron doors and iron bars still bolted to the windows.

Four rooms used as jailor living quarters during the time of the jail have been furnished with period furniture. The restoration includes the original security system on the front door of the jail – a door and frame that includes nails an inch apart so prisoners could not saw through the door to freedom.

Behind the Old Wilkes Jail is the relocated and restored Robert Cleveland Log House.
The nearby Wilkes County Courthouse houses the new Wilkes Heritage Museum.

Hours of Operation:

Both the Old Wilkes Jail and the Wilkes Heritage Museum are open Monday through Friday, 10 am to 2 pm, and by appointment.

Admission Fees:

Admission rates are: $5 for adults and $4 for seniors and students. Children under 4 are admitted at no charge. Tickets are good for entrance to both the Old Wilkes Jail and the Wilkes Heritage Museum.
*Prices are subject to change without notice & from what is listed on this website.

Location:

Old Wilkes Jail
203 North Bridge Street
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
336-667-3712
www.wilkesboro.com/oldwilkesinc

Wilkes Chamber of Commerce
717 Main Street
North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
336-838-8662
www.wilkesnc.org/history/jail