Posted in Arizona January 29, 2019 by Katie Lawrence

This Ghost Town Jail In Arizona Will Bring Out Your Adventurous Side

Arizona is home to over 200 ghost towns, many of which have lost nearly all evidence of having ever been populated. However, the tiny town of Gleeson – though only home to only about five people – is still alive, and reminders of its heyday have been impeccably preserved. While it might be a mere blip on the map near Tombstone, it’s also home to one of the oldest and longest-standing jails in the entire state, which definitely deserves a visit.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/

The Gleeson Jail dates all the way back to 1910, when it was constructed over railroad tracks. Made from several different types of steel, its sturdy structure has withstood over a century of whipping wind, heavy rain, and, unfortunately, vandalism.

In 2008, the building was a dilapidated shell of its former self. It was then that Tina Miller and John Wiest, owners of Tombstone Mercantile Co., saved this fascinating piece of history from fading into oblivion.

They purchased the property and immediately got to work. After restoring the roof and structural beams, replacing the windows, and adding a door, the building that almost disappeared forever slowly came back to life.

During the renovation process, an original photograph of the jail was unearthed. In it, a sign reading "jail" and the year of construction can be seen mounted on the front side. In the spirit of preserving the past as accurately as possible, duplicates of both were made and placed in their rightful positions.

Filling the interior with artifacts from the early 1900s added the finishing touch. Thanks to stories provided by a local historian, both lore and documented information about the Gleeson Jail and the tiny town around it are represented within its walls.

Authentic antiques have turned the place into a museum where history buffs and former Gleeson residents gather to reminisce on a bygone era.

Though the restoration was undertaken a decade ago, the property’s story is still in the making. In 2014, it was sold to Joe Bono, whose family owned the Bono General Store (pictured below) that was right across the highway from the jail.

These days, curious travelers passing through Gleeson can hear firsthand accounts of what life was like growing up in this tiny town and catch a glimpse of artifacts from long ago.

It's open to visitors on the first Saturday of each month or by special appointment. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.

If you’re interested in visiting this understated piece of Arizona history, you’ll find the town of Gleeson about 14.5 miles east of Tombstone. The old jail is located at the intersection of South Gleeson and High Lonesome Roads.

Have you ever been to the old Gleeson Jail? Are there any other ghost towns in Arizona with a well-preserved history, despite hardly anyone living there? Let us know in the comments below!

Check out this epic road trip to see some of our favorite long-forgotten places.