Travel Back in Time: Bristol County Jail

Bristol’s historic district contains dozens upon dozens of historically significant structures, and each one has its own story to tell. The town grew up around the harbor and the commerce conducted there, from the days of the slave trade, to whaling, shipbuilding and fishing. The buildings and structures reflect that history, and many of the homes of early American patriots and privateers survive.

One building in particular is the repository of a wealth of local history – and is historically significant in its own right. The Bristol Historical & Preservation Society (BHPS) is headquartered in the old Bristol Town Jail (originally the Bristol County Gaol) on Court Street. The Society maintains a 2,500-volume library that includes primary source material on local history, vital records, ships’ logs, vintage maps, and early tax records.

Several 19^th century portraits of prominent Bristolians, artifacts belonging to native son and Civil War General Ambrose Burnside, and the 1767 headstone of Sarah Swan (the one in the East Burial Ground is a replica!) are just some of the many items in the Society’s collection that are on display. The original jail cells are open and accessible to visitors, certainly the highlight of the visit if you go with children.

The building itself, while perhaps not the most architecturally interesting in downtown Bristol, has its own unique past. In 1828 the State Of Rhode Island assembled a committee of locals to oversee its construction under firm orders to exercise “strict economy.” They used timbers salvaged from the demolition of the old jail, which stood on the site. The rock walls were constructed from ships’ ballast that was foraged from the waterfront. According to local historian and BHPS volunteer Rei Battcher, the old Town Jail is “probably the only state-commissioned building in Rhode Island history to come in under budget.”

The building served as the County Jail from 1828-1859, and as the Town Jail from 1859-1957.

The Jail is located at 48 Court Street, and is open Wednesday & Friday from 1:15-5pm, and the first Sunday of the month from 2-5pm, or by appointment. A nominal donation is requested from non-members, and they ask that researchers make appointments in advance. Call 401-253-7223.