It seems like you can’t drive down any road in Massachusetts without encountering a historical landmark or hidden slice of the past. Barnstable is home to the oldest wooden jail in the country, which briefly housed one of the most notorious “witches” in Massachusetts history. Here’s why you should consider dropping by this curious old building on Cape Cod.

The Cape Cod town of Barnstable is home to one of the oldest wooden jails in America, and it has an absolutely fascinating (and spooky) history.
Wikimedia Commons/Kenneth C. Zerkel
TripAdvisor/55lakelady
The jail could hold about six prisoners. One notable detainee was Goody Hallett, who was imprisoned in 1716. Hallett was known as the Witch of Wellfleet and was the lover of famed pirate Samuel Bellamy.
TripAdvisor/Betsy W.

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Of course, anything this old is bound to have a spook or two knocking around inside. The jail has a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in America.
TripAdvisor/Betsy W.
The structure is usually open to ghost tours in the fall, and we can see why people report seeing the ghosts of former prisoners (including Goody Hallett) in the dark corners of the jail.
TripAdvisor/Betsy W.
If you’re not stopping by for a pre-arranged tour, you can admire the charming building from the outside for free. There’s a spacious parking lot and after checking out the jail, you can pop next door for a peek at the Coast Guard museum.
Wikimedia Commons/Swampyank

Isn’t this tiny wooden jail one of the neatest little historical landmarks you’ve ever seen? There’s something so enigmatic about the old jail. What’s your favorite hidden historical spot in Massachusetts?

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