You just never know what you’ll find hidden in the small towns in cities in the Palmetto State. From the Castle of Beaufort to Castle Atalaya at Myrtle Beach State Park, the castles in South Carolina are spectacular from both an architectural and historical perspective. Here’s one most people forget about:

The old Colleton County Jail was built in 1856 and was the third jail to serve this small community in South Carolina.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Located just a block from the shops, restaurants and antique stores of Walterboro's busy East Washington Street, the jail was uncharacteristically built in close proximity to the regular, non-criminal element in town. Perhaps they wanted to admire it and show it off to visitors?
Google Maps [streetview]
But it was afterall, the third jail built here. The neo-Gothic style of the structure was an uncommon architectural choice in the mid 1800s, making it all the more unique and majestic. It's no wonder it was built so close to one of the main thoroughfare's in town.
Flickr/Dagny Gromer

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The jail resembles a small fortress, with turret-like structures on either end, and a central tower with a striking lancet widow above the entrance.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
This jail closed when a new jail was built in 1937, and the building eventually was converted into a variety of uses, including housing the Colleton County Museum (which has since moved) and some county offices.
Flickr/Andrew Beresford
Unlike the castle-like old city jail in Charleston, this old jail in Walterboro is not rumored to be teeming with ghosts or spirits of those that may have died here. And there aren't any formal tours given of the building.
Google Maps [streetview]
However, a portion of it is open to the public as it now houses the Colleton County Probate Court.

The old jail is located at 239 N Jeffries Blvd., Walterboro, SC 29488.

Take a peek at other, more well known castles in South Carolina here.

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