History of the Cornwall Gaol and Courthouse

The Historic Cornwall Jail at 11 Water Street west. Inmates view of the St. Lawrence River and Lamoureux Park. Protective Custody Cell inmates clothing and bedding. A row of 6 Protective Custody Cells. Control Room.

In 1833, on the site of a former army barracks for the War of 1812, the HISTORIC CORNWALL GAOL AND COURTHOUSE was built. The Jail was opened in 1834 and the Courthouse in 1835. Both operated until closed in November of 2002.

The Courthouse was built directly above the Jail. If a prisoner was found guilty, then he/she could be transferred immediately downstairs to a cell.

In 1857, an addition was built to house the Jailer and his family. It was lived in until the 1970's when the provincial government reorganized the interior of the jail and the former house was converted to office space.

Originally a maximum security prison, it housed men, women, children, the insane, anyone that did not fit into what society deemed as "normal" or useful for those times. Crimes ranged from murder, arson and rape to petty theft, even treason.

Later, the facility was converted to a provincial jail, for men serving 2 years less a day. The status now became 'medium security'. Guards carried night sticks and mace, even police officers were not permitted to have guns in the Jail.

Women could still be held over night but would be transferred out the next morning to a women's facility in Kingston.

Left in its original condition, the Jail contains 33 beds. That did not mean that there were only 33 inmates. Like many jails, over-crowding was a concern. There could be as many as 65 to 75 inmates on any given night. The holding cell also served as a "drunk tank" holding as many as 12 -15 at a time.

Over the years several additions and changes have been made to meet the needs of the time.

From a prison with no electricity or indoor plumbing to a jail that still housed prisoners 168 years later, there is history galore and stories to be heard. You can even see where inmates were hung and buried.

A truly unique experience awaits you! Step inside and you can almost feel the history…

(The entrance to the Jail is now home to Cornwall & Seaway Valley Tourism. This is the only section that has been renovated)