Historic Monterey

13. Old Jail

Monterey, CA

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In 1854, a few years after California achieved statehood, Monterey — as the county seat and a center of government and commerce — felt the need for a jail to serve the requirements of Colton Hall, which was then the courthouse. C.F. Gilmer was engaged to construct a small rectangular structure with the following fittings described in the Monterey Sentinel in September 1855: "a place of solidity… of Monterey granite with the best iron work that San Francisco could furnish. No wood was used in the construction except the roof, but the [six large] cells are ceiled with blocks of stone, arched; there is also a good wall around the jail, with all necessary conveniences inside..." There was a debtors' room and "a good-sized room for the jailer." After the county seat was moved to Salinas, the jail was turned over to the City of Monterey; it was in use until 1956. Now it is preserved as a memento of Monterey's past, and occasionally open to historic tours. Content Provided By: Historic Monterey