Old Calaboose, River Region Travel Guide

4.2 (16)

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

The Old Calaboose, Wetumpka's first jail, stands as a silent witness to the city's vibrant past. Built around 1820, this small, one-story brick structure is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Wetumpka, offering a glimpse into the early 19th century.

A brief summary to Old Calaboose

Wetumpka, Alabama, 36092, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Old Calaboose.

Visit during the fall to capture stunning photos of the Bibb Graves Bridge with the changing leaves.
Combine your visit with a walk along the Coosa River trail, which offers scenic views and historical insights.
Check out the nearby Wetumpka Impact Crater, one of the best-preserved marine impact craters in the world.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Old Alabama Town

Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site

Fort Morgan State Historic Site

High Red Bluff

Fort Mitchell Historic Site

Explore Old Calaboose on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Old Calaboose, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

The Old Calaboose is located on Orline Street, near the Bibb Graves Bridge and the Coosa River in downtown Wetumpka. From most downtown locations, it is easily accessible by foot. Walking south from the intersection of Hill Street and Company Street, proceed down Orline Street. The Calaboose will be on the right, a short distance from the High Water Mark historical marker.
Public Transport

While Wetumpka has limited public transportation, ride-sharing services like Uber are available. From a starting point in downtown Wetumpka, a ride to the Old Calaboose would be a short trip, costing approximately $10-$15. Consider using Uber or a local taxi service for convenient access.
Parking

Parking is available near the Old Calaboose in the downtown area. There are parking spots along Orline Street and in the vicinity of the Bibb Graves Bridge. Parking is generally free and readily available, though it may be busier during peak tourist season or local events.

Discover more about Old Calaboose

The Old Calaboose, traditionally regarded as Wetumpka's first jail, is a tangible link to the city's rich history. Constructed circa 1820, shortly after Alabama joined the Union, it is one of Wetumpka's oldest surviving structures. The calaboose is located on Orline Street, along the Coosa River, in a parking area behind the buildings along Bridge Street.The one-story rectangular brick building rests on a fieldstone foundation. Its hipped roof, small barred windows, and heavy wooden entrance door on the eastern elevation evoke a sense of the past. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992 as a contributing structure to the East Wetumpka Commercial Historic District.Wetumpka flourished in the early 19th century due to the booming cotton industry. Harper's Weekly declared Wetumpka and Chicago as the two most promising cities of the West. The city served as a commercial hub with banks, stores, and hotels lining the eastern bank of the Coosa River. 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. Today, it serves as a reminder of the city's enduring spirit.