The Jail History

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1878, a jail was built here at 123 West Washington Street in Greencastle, IN. The first documented death on the grounds was the son of a well known blacksmith.  The story goes, on May 4, 1894 an intoxicated man was picked up for stealing two chickens. He was known to sell the chickens for a couple of dimes to purchase whiskey which made him not in the right mind. His cold, hanging body was found in the door of the upper story middle cell having used a short piece of heavy twine to hang himself. He is said to have committed suicide in disgrace, being the son of the prominent blacksmith. The man had been fined by the mayor for intoxication, but nothing was said about the chicken case. A verdict was given in accordance after death.

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The current jail was built at that same location primarily due to John Dillinger. Read the story HERE. 

 

in 1939 by George F. Roth, who also constructed Alcatraz. The construction of the Cells of Hell is identical with that of the famous federal penitentiary on Alcatraz Island. The last known death was in the early 80s, when a man was found dead on the floor of his cell on the lower level of the jail.

The spirits of men who died within the cells of the Putnam County Jail are said to haunt all who enter.

If you listen, you may also hear a child laughing and skipping in the halls and basement. That’s another story...