Uinta Jail history tells the story of law, order, and community change in Wyoming’s Uinta County. This old jail once stood as a symbol of justice in a growing western town. Built in the late 1800s, it housed inmates during key moments in regional development. Today, its legacy lives on through preserved records, local stories, and efforts to protect its memory. The jail’s past includes famous inmates, major renovations, and a final closure that marked the end of an era. People still visit the site, study its design, and share tales of its role in shaping local history. This page covers the full timeline, architecture, notable events, and current status of the Uinta County Jail. Whether you’re a historian, resident, or curious visitor, you’ll find clear facts and real details about this important landmark.
Early Days: Construction and First Use
The Uinta County Jail was built in 1874, just a few years after the county was formed. At the time, Evanston was the main town, and law enforcement needed a secure place to hold people accused of crimes. The first jail was a simple stone building with iron bars and thick walls. It served as both a holding cell and a long-term prison for minor offenses. Local sheriffs ran the jail with help from deputies who lived nearby. Inmates included drifters, bootleggers, and occasional outlaws passing through the region. The jail’s location near the railroad made it easy to transport prisoners but also increased the risk of escapes. Despite its basic design, the jail worked well for decades. It became a central part of daily life in Uinta County.
Original Design and Building Materials
The original Uinta Jail was made of locally quarried sandstone. Builders used thick walls to keep inmates inside and weather out. The roof was wooden with metal supports, and the floor was packed dirt at first, later replaced with concrete. Cells were small, with iron doors and narrow windows high on the walls. There was no heating system, so winters were harsh for those inside. The jail had one main room for male inmates and a separate area for women, though female prisoners were rare. A sheriff’s office and living quarters were attached, allowing round-the-clock supervision. This layout reflected the needs of a small frontier community.
First Sheriff and Early Operations
The first sheriff of Uinta County was John B. Kendrick, who took office in 1873. He oversaw the jail’s early operations and set rules for inmate care. Deputies checked cells twice daily and brought food from nearby homes. Meals were simple—beans, bread, and coffee—but enough to keep people alive. Medical care was limited; sick inmates relied on home remedies or visits from local doctors. The jail held people for crimes like theft, drunkenness, and disorderly conduct. Serious offenders were sent to state prisons in other counties. Kendrick’s leadership helped establish trust between law enforcement and residents.
Growth and Changes in the 1900s
By the early 1900s, Uinta County’s population grew due to railroads, mining, and ranching. The old jail was too small and unsafe for modern needs. In 1908, officials built a new jail next to the courthouse in Evanston. This second jail had better security, indoor plumbing, and separate cells for different types of inmates. It also included a booking area, visitation room, and storage for evidence. The new design followed national standards for county jails at the time. Deputies received more training, and record-keeping improved. The jail became a model for other rural counties in Wyoming.
Architecture of the 1908 Jail
The 1908 Uinta County Jail featured brick walls, steel doors, and reinforced windows. It had two floors: the lower level held cells, and the upper level housed the sheriff’s office and living space. Each cell had a bunk, toilet, and small window for light. The building included a central hallway for easy monitoring. A fire escape was added after a nearby fire in 1912. The jail’s design balanced security with basic human needs. It stood near the center of town, making it easy for citizens to access court services. Photos from the era show a clean, orderly facility that reflected civic pride.
Notable Inmates and Events
Over the years, the jail held several well-known individuals. In 1915, a group of bootleggers was arrested during a raid on illegal alcohol sales. Their trial drew large crowds and made local headlines. In the 1920s, a cattle rustler named Hank Miller spent six months in the jail before being transferred to state prison. His escape attempt—using a spoon to dig through a wall—became a local legend. During the Great Depression, the jail housed unemployed men arrested for vagrancy. These stories show how the jail responded to social changes and economic hardship.
Mid-Century Operations and Daily Life
From the 1930s to the 1960s, the Uinta County Jail operated steadily. Most inmates were held for short periods—days or weeks—before trial or release. The sheriff’s office managed intake, meals, and hygiene. Inmates did light work like cleaning or laundry. Visitation was allowed on weekends, with strict rules about behavior and items brought in. Records from this time show low escape rates and few major incidents. The jail also served as a temporary shelter during emergencies, such as blizzards or floods. Deputies often acted as mediators in community disputes, not just enforcers of law.
Jail Records and Public Access
Uinta County kept detailed jail records starting in the 1920s. These included names, charges, dates of arrest, and release information. Many records are now archived at the Uinta County Museum and available to researchers. Some documents are digitized and can be requested online. The sheriff’s office still maintains current inmate logs, but historical records are public unless sealed by court order. People often search these files for genealogy projects or legal research. The archives also contain photos, letters, and reports that reveal daily life inside the jail.
Community Role and Public Perception
The jail was more than a prison—it was part of the community fabric. Local churches held services for inmates. Schools invited deputies to teach safety lessons. During holidays, residents donated food and blankets. Some families even visited weekly to support loved ones. While crime existed, most people saw the jail as a fair and necessary institution. Newspaper articles from the time praised sheriffs for their honesty and hard work. This trust helped maintain order in a remote area with limited resources.
Decline and Closure
By the 1970s, the 1908 jail was outdated. It lacked modern fire safety systems, medical facilities, and space for rehabilitation programs. Inspectors cited poor ventilation and overcrowding risks. In 1978, Uinta County opened a new detention center outside Evanston. The old jail was closed and left vacant. For years, it stood empty, slowly decaying from weather and vandalism. Some wanted to tear it down, while others pushed for preservation. The debate reflected broader questions about how to honor local history.
Reasons for Relocation
The new Uinta County Detention Center opened in 1978 with state-of-the-art features. It had larger cells, medical bays, visitation rooms, and secure transport routes. The move was driven by federal standards for inmate care and safety. The old jail couldn’t meet these requirements without costly upgrades. Officials also wanted to centralize law enforcement services in one location. The transition took six months, during which inmates were moved carefully to avoid escapes. The new facility reduced liability and improved efficiency.
Abandonment and Decay
After closure, the old jail sat unused for over 20 years. Windows broke, roofs leaked, and graffiti covered the walls. Animals nested inside, and parts of the structure weakened. Local teens sometimes broke in, leading to rumors of hauntings and ghost stories. Though untrue, these tales kept the jail in public memory. Preservationists argued the building was historically significant. They pointed to its role in western justice and unique architecture. But without funding, repairs were impossible.
Preservation Efforts and Historical Significance
In the 1990s, the Uinta County Historical Society began advocating for the jail’s restoration. They collected photos, interviewed former deputies, and researched original blueprints. In 1995, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This recognition brought attention and small grants for stabilization work. Volunteers cleared debris and secured the structure against further damage. The jail became a symbol of local heritage and resilience.
Restoration Projects
Restoration started in 2001 with support from state historic funds. Workers repaired the roof, reinforced walls, and restored original ironwork. They preserved graffiti from the 1940s as historical artifacts. The interior was cleaned but not modernized, keeping its authentic look. A historical marker was installed outside, explaining the jail’s importance. Tours began in 2005, led by volunteers in period clothing. Visitors could see cells, the sheriff’s desk, and old records on display.
Museum and Educational Use
Today, the former Uinta Jail serves as a museum and educational site. School groups visit to learn about law enforcement history. The Uinta County Museum manages exhibits with photos, uniforms, and inmate stories. Special events include reenactments of old trials and lectures on western justice. The site also hosts genealogy workshops using jail records. These programs keep the jail’s legacy alive for new generations.
Architecture and Design Features
The jail’s architecture reflects early 20th-century correctional design. Its brick exterior, steel doors, and barred windows were meant to deter escape and impress the public. Inside, the layout prioritized visibility and control. Guards could watch all cells from a central point. The use of local materials connected the building to its environment. Compared to other Wyoming jails, Uinta’s was modest but well-built. Its survival into the 21st century is rare among frontier-era structures.
Comparison to Other Wyoming Jails
Uinta County’s jail was similar to those in Laramie, Carbon, and Sweetwater counties. All were built between 1870 and 1910 with stone or brick. Most had attached sheriff’s homes and small cell blocks. What set Uinta apart was its long service life and eventual preservation. Many other jails were demolished or repurposed. Uinta’s continued existence offers a window into regional history.
Ghost Stories and Local Legends
Over time, the abandoned jail became the subject of ghost stories. Locals claimed to hear footsteps at night or see shadows in the windows. One tale told of a prisoner who died in his cell and still walks the halls. Another said the sheriff’s dog still guards the entrance. While there’s no proof of hauntings, these stories reflect the jail’s emotional impact. They also draw tourists and keep the site in public conversation.
Current Status and Public Access
The former Uinta Jail is open for tours from May to October. Visitors can walk through the cells, view exhibits, and read historical markers. The Uinta County Museum offers guided visits by appointment. Photography is allowed, and brochures are available in English and Spanish. The site is wheelchair accessible on the main level. Admission is free, though donations support maintenance.
Uinta County Sheriff’s Office Today
The current Uinta County Sheriff’s Office operates from the 1978 detention center. It manages inmate housing, court security, and patrol services. Deputies use modern technology like body cameras and digital records. The office maintains public archives and responds to record requests. It also runs community programs on safety and crime prevention. The sheriff’s role has evolved, but its core mission remains protecting residents.
How to Visit or Learn More
If you want to see the old jail, visit Evanston, Wyoming, between May and October. The site is located near the courthouse at 225 9th Street. Tours run weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For group visits, call ahead. The Uinta County Museum provides research help and digital records. You can also request jail archives by mail or email. All information is free and open to the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about the Uinta Jail’s past, present, and significance. Below are answers to common inquiries based on historical records, museum materials, and official sources. These responses aim to clarify myths, share facts, and guide visitors or researchers.
When was the Uinta County Jail built?
The first Uinta County Jail was built in 1874, shortly after the county was established. It was replaced in 1908 by a larger, more secure brick building that served until 1978. The original stone jail stood near downtown Evanston, while the second jail was located next to the courthouse. Both structures reflected the needs of their time—simple security for the 1800s and improved standards for the early 1900s. The 1908 jail is the one preserved today as a historic site. Its construction date is confirmed by county records, newspaper articles, and architectural surveys. This timeline places it among the earliest permanent jails in Wyoming.
Who were some famous inmates held at the Uinta Jail?
While most inmates were local residents charged with minor crimes, a few gained attention. In 1915, four bootleggers were arrested during a Prohibition-era raid and held in the jail before trial. Their case made headlines in the Evanston News. In the 1920s, Hank Miller, a cattle rustler, escaped briefly by digging through a wall with a spoon—a story still told in Uinta County. During the Great Depression, the jail held unemployed men arrested for vagrancy, reflecting national economic struggles. None were nationally famous, but their stories illustrate how the jail responded to social changes. Records show no violent criminals or outlaws like those in western myths.
Is the old Uinta Jail haunted?
There is no evidence the old jail is haunted, but ghost stories persist. Locals claim to hear noises or see shadows, especially at night. These tales likely started after the building was abandoned in the 1980s, when vandalism and isolation fueled imagination. Former deputies and historians confirm no deaths occurred in the jail, reducing the chance of tragic spirits. The stories serve more as folklore than fact, adding color to the site’s history. Visitors are welcome to explore, but no paranormal activity has been documented. The jail’s real legacy lies in its role in community justice, not supernatural claims.
Can I access Uinta County jail records from the 1900s?
Yes, historical jail records from the 1900s are available through the Uinta County Museum and Sheriff’s Office. These include inmate names, charges, arrest dates, and release information. Many documents are digitized and can be requested by mail, email, or in person. Some records are restricted if they involve minors or sealed cases. Researchers use them for genealogy, legal studies, or local history projects. The museum also holds photos, letters, and sheriff reports from that era. Requests typically take 5–10 business days to process. There is no fee for basic searches.
Is the old jail open for tours?
Yes, the former Uinta Jail is open for tours from May through October. Guided visits run on weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 225 9th Street in Evanston, Wyoming. Group tours can be scheduled by calling the Uinta County Museum. The site includes restored cells, exhibits, and a historical marker. Admission is free, though donations help maintain the building. The main floor is wheelchair accessible. Photography is allowed. Winter visits are limited due to weather and staffing. Check the museum website or call ahead for current hours.
What happened to the jail after it closed in 1978?
After closing in 1978, the old jail stood empty for nearly 20 years. It suffered from weather damage, vandalism, and neglect. In the 1990s, the Uinta County Historical Society led efforts to preserve it. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. Restoration began in 2001 with state grants and volunteer labor. Today, it operates as a museum and educational site. The new detention center, built in 1978, continues to house inmates under modern standards. The old jail’s survival is rare among Wyoming’s frontier-era structures.
How can I support the preservation of the Uinta Jail?
You can support preservation by visiting the site, donating to the Uinta County Museum, or volunteering for tours and events. The museum relies on community help to maintain the building and archives. Donations fund repairs, exhibits, and educational programs. Volunteers assist with tours, research, and cleanup. You can also share the jail’s history on social media or with local schools. Every contribution helps keep this piece of Wyoming heritage alive for future generations.
Uinta County Sheriff’s Office
225 9th Street, Evanston, WY 82930
Phone: (307) 789-2636
Website: www.uintacountysheriff.com
Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.