Oconee County Jail

National Register Listing

Street Address:

West Main St., Walhalla, SC (Oconee County)

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NRHP Nomination

Record Number:

S10817737998

Description and Narrative:

The Oconee County Jail, constructed between 1901 and 1906, is a locally important public building which incorporates several elements of neo-medieval or Gothic Revival design. The stepped and crenellated parapet, the asymmetrical plan with projecting polygonal bays, and the suggestion of a tower are direct architectural references to the popular conception of a medieval castle. The jail is also important as one of the few remaining nineteenth or early twentieth century jails in upper northwestern South Carolina. In addition, the jail is the oldest county building remaining in Oconee County. The Oconee County Jail is a two-story stuccoed brick building with a forward section containing the sheriff’s office and residence, and a rear block containing jail cells. A one-story porch with patterned metal shingle roofing and grouped wooden posts on brick piers spans the façade, running around the forward ell. The detention wing to the north of the main block was built in 1938-39 to replace the original detention wing. Listed in the National Register November 14, 1982. The Oconee County Jail has since been demolished. Removed from the National Register December 12, 1989.

Period of Significance:

1901 – 1906

Level of Significance:

Local

Area of Significance:

Architecture

National Register Determination:

removed from National Register

Date of Certification:

November 14 1982

Date of Removal from the Register:

December 12 1989

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