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Old Calaboose: Wetumpka's Historic Jail

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

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The Old Calaboose, dating back to circa 1820, stands as Wetumpka's first jail and one of its oldest structures. This small, brick building on Orline Street offers a glimpse into the city's early history.

A brief summary to Old Calaboose

  • Wetumpka, Alabama, 36092, US

Local tips

  • 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.
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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 points in the downtown area, it is easily accessible on foot. From the intersection of US-231 and AL-14, walk east towards the river. Turn left onto Orline Street. The Old Calaboose will be on your right, a short distance from the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce.

  • Parking

    Parking is available along Orline Street and in nearby public lots. Parking is free. Availability may be limited during peak tourist season or local events.

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Discover more about Old Calaboose

The Old Calaboose, traditionally regarded as Wetumpka's first jail, provides a tangible link to the city's vibrant past. Constructed around 1820, shortly after Alabama joined the Union, it is one of Wetumpka's oldest surviving structures. Located on Orline Street, along the Coosa River, 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. In 1992, the calaboose was added to the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing structure to the East Wetumpka Commercial Historic District. During the early 19th century, Wetumpka flourished due to the booming cotton industry. *Harper's Weekly* even 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, the Old Calaboose is a reminder of the city's rich history and a notable stop along the river trail.

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