Author’s Note: In these times when the average gas fill-up costs in excess of $50, driving ups the price of everything else, so perhaps keeping family outings local will save some hard-earned cash. Once a week, The Bay Net will profile another interesting landmark that is inexpensive and easy to find. For those looking for something to do and cannot afford to travel, some of these might be a perfect getaway.
The Old Jail of St. Mary’s County – Leonardtown
In the earliest days of Maryland and St. Mary’s County, there seemed to be little need for jails. Back in those early times, the sheriff had the sole responsibility of how to hold prisoners.
That changed in 1676. In that year, John Quigley built a brick jail at St. Mary’s City. That sturdy structure was a mere 24 by 15 feet in dimension, but the first permanent jail in St. Mary’s County. After the State Capital was moved to Annapolis and the County Seat moved to Leonardtown (called Seymour Town) in 1708.
There were a number of jails – private and publicly funded – that were built and fell into disrepair over the years until 1856 when the legislature voted to fund a suitable jail to amount of $1,500. However, that ended up being inadequate for construction and in 1858 another $3,000 was earmarked to complete the jail on the courthouse lawn where it stands today,
According to Jail Museum volunteer, Joseph Roy Guyther, MD, Ret., “There weren’t many law breakers until the mid 1930s. Then this jail housed mostly bootleggers, spies, intriguers, and blockade runners.”
Visiting the Old Jail Museum is easy, free and there is plenty of parking in the area of the County Courthouse. The museum houses many artifacts and much literature about the origins of Leonardtown and area history.
Spend a day and learn some history all at the same time.