Williamson County Jail listed in National Register of Historic Places

MARION - The Williamson County Jail at 105 S. Van Buren Street in Marion was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on May 30, 2007 by the National Park Service.

 

            "The old jail building has been a familiar sight to Marion residents for decades, and it is closely tied to the area's history," said Robert Coomer, director of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, which administers the National Register program in Illinois.  "This is a prestigious recognition for Williamson County."

 

            "The significance of such a designation is very important to Southern Illinois," said Sen. Gary Forby (D-Benton).  "The Williamson County Jail is now a part of a very unique listing of homes and buildings across the nation that help tie together the stories and historical events of our past."  

 

            "It is wonderful to see this grand old building get the recognition it deserves," said State Rep. John E. Bradley (D-Marion). 

 

            The Williamson County jail was built in 1913 and served the citizens of the county until 1971.  Its design and construction reflected the national movement for the improvement of prisoner conditions during the Progressive Era.  The Prairie School Style of architecture is clearly visible in the building's long open front porch, low horizontal lines, and low-pitched hipped roof with wide overhanging cornice.  The jail appears to be a modern brick home from the street, as barred windows were kept discretely to the sides and back of the structure.  During its operation as a jail, the building housed prisoners involved in significant events in Williamson County and Illinois history.

 

            "A significant component of the historic past of Williamson County is assured of preservation with this recognition," said Marion Mayor Robert Butler.

 

For more information on the National Register of Historic Places program in Illinois, visit www.Illinois-History.gov/PS/historicplaces.htm.