We always find those special slices of Georgia history so darn fascinating. There are so many small spots and overlooked places that have woven together the fabric of our state throughout the years. But what’s even more is when these historic spots also have a disturbing tale attached to it. This one-of-a-kind old rock jail in Greensboro has an incredible history worth knowing, but also one that is quite chilling. As the oldest standing masonry jail in Georgia, this is one spot you do not want to miss.

Behind the Green County Courthouse in Greensboro, Georgia, you’ll find a piece of history that has a uniquely disturbing past.
Flickr J Stephen Conn
This remains a bit out-of-the-ordinary for the small town of Greensboro, which is usually bright and welcoming to all. Many visitors to Greensboro would be shocked to learn that such a dark past lurks beneath the surface.
The old Greene County rock jail, nicknamed Gaol, was built back in the 1800s.
TripAdvisor KTBNY
The architecture of Gaol is shaped after the bastilles where prisoners used to be housed and punished over a hundred years ago.
The entire jail itself is an ominous building, built out of granite that is two feet thick, with only two stories within.
Flickr Amber Rhea
But perhaps the spookiest part of it all is that within the building is a trap door in the floor from the upper portion of the jail where condemned prisoners were hanged.

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Rather than a public execution which seemed to be popular back in the day, condemned prisoners were hanged inside, controlled by pulling a lever which released the iron bar supporting the trap door.
Flickr Brittanysoup
Truly a disturbing piece of history located within this beautiful tiny Georgia town. Keep in mind too, hangings were absolutely legal forms of punishment way back when.
Within the old rock jail are cells, which can be equated to dungeons, with little-to-no light or ventilation, except for a small grated door downstairs.
Flickr J Stephen Conn
Many visitors have claimed that visiting Gaol gave them an eerie, indescribable feeling, where something obviously terrible happened there over the years.
The jail itself was shut down in the late 1800s when a new jail was erected next door.
Flickr J Stephen Conn
However, today, old Gaol has been reopened as the L.L. Wyatt Museum, containing various pieces of memorabilia from Greene County law enforcement.

What do you think — do you have the courage to visit old Gaol in Greensboro, Georgia? If so, you can use the address below to lead you to it:

N East St., Greensboro, GA 30642

Old Gaol is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the admission is free. However, guests will need to book an appointment in advance to visit. Prospective visitors can view the Old Gaol website for more information. Also, while you’re in the area, check out a more lighthearted way to explore the tiny town of Greensboro.

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N East St, Greensboro, GA 30642, USA