A log jail had been built on the southeast corner of Court Square in 1822 at a cost of ninety-five dollars. Two years later a larger one was built, and a brick building was erected in 1835. The one was used as a residence during the Civil War. Soon after the war, plans were made to remodel or rebuild the jail. A lot was purchased for $1,600 on the southwest corner of Chester and Jail streets, now Liberty Street, and an $18,000 warrant was issued to build this building, which was also to house the sheriff and his family. Madison County and Jackson prisoners were housed in this jail. until the jail was moved to the top of the new courthouse in 1937. From that date until 1974 the old jail was used by the County Health Dept. and the Salvation Army. It was then purchased by the First Tennessee Bank. During prohibition days there was continuous confiscation of liquor. This liquor had to be destroyed and some members of the County Court had to be on hand to witness the destruction. On occasion, some of the trusties made careful preparation. The liquor was usually poured into a bath tub, the court members took a look, and then the stopper was removed. This time the trusties had crawled under the jail and diverted the drain. What a merry time they had until they got too merry and their secret became known. Source: Jackson & Madison County A Pictorial History - Williams, Smothers, Carter

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