Jail

This cell was used for many years without a jailbreak even though prisoners constantly thought about it. The jail was located at the County Courthouse in Ouray until the 1990's when it was donated to the historical society and moved across the street to the Museum. Prior to the installation of this jail at the courthouse, Ouray had a sturdy wooden one. During the time the wooden jail was in use an interesting event took place. People don't usually try to break into jail, but once it happened here! Imagine what it would be like to be locked in a cell with a lynch mob outside the building trying to break down the door? What would it be like to smell smoke and hear the crackling of fire near you, but you couldn't escape? You can learn why a mob was so angry at that imprisoned man and what happened to him. Below you can see the inside of this old jail.