The Oldest Standing Masonry Jail In Georgia Has An Incredible History

Georgia is filled with tons of incredible and unique attractions, many of which are unlike anything else in the rest of the world. For example, this one-of-a-kind zip line in Georgia has won Guinness World Records. But if you’re looking for things to do in Georgia that aren’t as high flying as that, then we have something special. This historic structure is rare and for free, you have the chance to see it up close.

Greensboro, Georgia is a tiny town outside the Oconee National Forest that you might drive through rather than make your final destination.

But the next time you’re passing through, we recommend visiting this historical site for a little bit of Georgia history.

The Old Gaol, as it is known, is a historic jail in Greensboro that is believed to be the oldest existing jail structure in the entire state.

Completed in 1807, The Old Gaol has sloping stone walls, a castellated roof line, and an almost bastille-like appearance that has remained unchanged throughout time.

The walls of this jail are thick—two-feet thick to be precise, and the structure itself is two stories high.

While it might not seem like a tall structure from the outside, it was high enough to hang the offending prisoners who dropped to their death within.

You are actually able to get a glimpse inside the jail if you’d like, by visiting Genuine Georgia in Downtown Greensboro and getting a set of keys.

Believe it or not, the legal method of execution in Georgia from 1735 to 1924 was by hanging, and the gallows and trap door within The Old Gaol remain the same today.

Take a trip throughout time by visiting this old historic jail in Georgia, which is the oldest standing masonry jail in the state.

Address: N East Street, Greensboro, GA 30642

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: Free!

To learn more about the old masonry jail in Georgia, visit the Lake Oconee tourism website. Have you ever visited The Old Gaol before? Share with us your experience in the comments section!