Step right into history! Listed on the Virginia Historic Landmark Registry, the 1892 Old Jail is a two-story granite and brick building adjacent to the County Museum. It served as the only county prison until 1962, and replaced a four-room 1842 jail, known as the Bastille, at a cost of $6,000. Serviceable material from the Bastille  was used in the construction, including  the large granite blocks, the “WM1842” cornerstone and the front porch stone step from the 1749 courthouse.

Upstairs in the building, original iron-barred cells  still enclose metal bunks,  wash facilities and graffiti. At maximum capacity, the building held 24 prisoners. The back rooms located on the ground floor were used to house female prisoners. During the 1940’s and 1950’s, it was utilized as the police headquarters. The Old Jail was made available to the Society in 1982, first as its’ headquarters and today as a museum and popular historic site, especially for school group tours.

Historic 1892 Jail

Tours of the Historic 1892 Jail start at the County Museum.

Tuesday Through Thursday 10am – 2pm

Friday 10am – 4pm

Saturday 10am – 2pm

Free, donations accepted

6813 Mimms Loop
Chesterfield, VA 23832

Phone: (804) 768-7311

Please note: To maintain the historical integrity of the site, this property is not handicapped accessible. Programs are Free or unless otherwise stipulated. Reservations required for all programs. For more details, please call (804) 768-7311.