The phrase “truth is stranger than fiction” comes to mind when learning the history of the tiny two-cell jailhouse in Harvard, Nebraska. It all started with a government mistake and ended with an act of altruism by a famous dummy…and we haven’t even touched on the weirdest part yet.

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After all of the media attention died down and the joke was getting a little old, Charlie McCarthy donated the jail back to the city of Harvard. It still stands there today bearing a historical marker that outlines its very odd history. You can visit the jail and read the historical marker at 151-185 W Oak St, Harvard, NE.

Did you know about the Harvard jail’s very strange history? If you can’t get enough of Nebraska’s oddest moments, check out this story from the archives regarding a senseless crime committed not too far from Harvard.

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