The History of Huntersville Jail

 

The sources provide a detailed account of the Huntersville Jail, highlighting its role as a symbol of the town's history and its connection to the broader narrative of Pocahontas County. The jail was built in 1878, replacing two earlier jails, and served as a testament to the county’s commitment to law and order.

Location and Construction

• The jail is located in Huntersville, which served as the county seat of Pocahontas County for 70 years, from 1822 to 1892.
• It was built on land that was owned by Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Nelson in 1956.
• The structure is described as being made of “the hardest of sandstone,” known as “White Medina,” a material so durable that it was said a North Carolina road worker “raised a blister on the rock as big as his fist” after two days of drilling.
• The present structure was the third Pocahontas County jail, with the first being a room in the courthouse and the second a frame building located nearby.
• The jail consists of two structures: the jail itself and an attached office building, both constructed with brick and wood.

Features and Interior

• The jail has four cells, with the two upper cells likely used for more dangerous inmates as they have “heavy iron rings on the floor where they could be chained.”
• The exterior door of the jail is made of heavy, studded lumber and secured with hand-cut nails to prevent escape.
• A 4-pound lock that was once used to secure the jail doors is now in the possession of Mr. C. Moore of Marlinton.
• Mabel Barlow provided a detailed historical account of the jail in 1956.

Significance and Later Use

• In 1956, the Pocahontas Beautiful Commission unveiled a marker at the Huntersville Jail in memory of Editor Paul Haddock.
• Around 60 people attended a picnic at the Pocahontas Camping Area and later visited the jail.
• Jim Morgan and Daley were involved in putting a new roof on the jail.
• The Pocahontas Historical Society chose a metal roof from the Follansbee Steel Company, based on the recommendation of an architect specializing in building restoration.
• This metal roof weathers to a dull gray and does not require painting, aligning with the original specifications for an “iron roof.”

Personal Accounts

• The sources offer personal accounts of individuals imprisoned in the Huntersville Jail, providing insights into its conditions and the experiences of its inmates.
• Dr. Fletcher, a Union soldier captured by Confederate forces, was imprisoned in the jail. He described the jailer as an old man with a distinct appearance, wearing a dirty white shirt, jean breeches, and worn-out shoes.
• Fletcher was initially placed in the “debtors’ room” because the cell was already occupied by a runaway slave and a man named Moses.
• Fletcher's account describes the harsh conditions of the jail, including the lack of clothing, straw for bedding, and sufficient food and water.
• He eventually escaped from the jail with the help of a fellow inmate named Jim.

The Huntersville Jail stands as a reminder of the town’s history and evolution. Once a symbol of authority and confinement, the jail has been preserved and transformed into a historical landmark, offering a glimpse into the past and prompting reflection on the changing landscape of justice and society.