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Old Calaboose: Wetumpka's Silent Witness

Explore Wetumpka's oldest jail, a relic from the 1800s on the Coosa River, reflecting the city's enduring spirit and early history.

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The Old Calaboose, traditionally regarded as Wetumpka's first jail, offers a glimpse into the early history of this Alabama town. Estimated to have been built circa 1820, shortly after Alabama became a state, the Calaboose is one of Wetumpka's oldest surviving structures. Located on Orline Street, along the Coosa River, the Calaboose is a small, one-story rectangular brick building set on a fieldstone foundation. Its hipped roof and small, barred windows on three sides, along with the heavy wooden entrance door on the eastern elevation, reflect its original purpose as a secure confinement. Wetumpka flourished in the early 19th century due to the booming cotton industry, with Harper's Weekly even declaring Wetumpka and Chicago as the two most promising cities of the West. The city served as a commercial hub with banks, stores, and hotels. Despite devastating fires in 1845 and 1852 that destroyed much of the commercial district, the Old Calaboose survived, standing as a silent witness to Wetumpka's resilience. In 1992, the Old Calaboose was added to the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing structure to the East Wetumpka Commercial Historic District, which exemplifies the growth the city experienced between 1820 and 1931. Today, the Old Calaboose serves as a reminder of Wetumpka's rich history and is a notable stop along the river trail.

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the architectural details of the Old Calaboose.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along the Coosa River and across the Bibb Graves Bridge for scenic views.
  • Explore the nearby East Wetumpka Commercial Historic District to see other well-preserved buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
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A brief summary to Old Calaboose

  • Wetumpka, Alabama, 36092, US

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Bibb Graves Bridge, walk along the riverfront path towards downtown Wetumpka. The Old Calaboose is located on Orline Street, in a parking area behind the buildings on Bridge Street, near the Coosa River. It's easily accessible as part of a walking tour of the historic downtown area.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Request a taxi or ride-share (Uber, etc.) to downtown Wetumpka. Specify the intersection of Bridge Street and Orline Street as your destination. From there, the Old Calaboose is a short walk. A short trip from Wind Creek Wetumpka to the Old Calaboose will cost approximately $14. Note that Uber is available in Wetumpka.

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