St Marys Jail has stood for nearly two centuries as a cornerstone of law enforcement and community safety in St. Marys City, Maryland. Built in 1837, this historic facility began as a single-room stone structure meant to hold a handful of offenders. Over time, it grew into a full-scale correctional institution, reflecting the changing needs of justice, public safety, and inmate care. Today, St Marys Jail is not just a detention center—it’s a living record of how prisons evolved from simple lockups to modern rehabilitation hubs. Its story includes famous inmates, daring escapes, architectural upgrades, and even ghostly legends that draw curiosity seekers and historians alike.
Origins and Early Years of St Marys Jail
The first St Marys Jail opened in 1837, during a period when Maryland’s southern counties were expanding rapidly. With more settlers came more disputes, thefts, and crimes. Local leaders realized they needed a secure place to hold accused individuals until trial or sentencing. The original jail was small—just one room made of local stone, with iron bars and a heavy wooden door. It held men, women, and sometimes even juveniles, all in the same space.
Conditions were harsh by today’s standards. Inmates slept on straw mats, had limited access to clean water, and received minimal medical care. There were no formal rehabilitation programs. The jail’s main job was containment, not reform. Despite its simplicity, the jail served its purpose: it kept dangerous individuals off the streets and gave courts a place to send those awaiting judgment.
Expansion and Architectural Evolution
By the 1870s, the population of St. Marys County had grown significantly. The old jail could no longer handle the number of inmates. In 1872, county officials funded the construction of a new two-story brick jail. This building featured separate cells for men and women, improved ventilation, and stronger locks. It also included a warden’s quarters on the second floor, allowing constant supervision.
The new design followed national trends in prison architecture. Thick walls, barred windows, and central watchtowers became standard. The jail was built to last—and it did. For over 50 years, this structure housed hundreds of inmates, witnessed countless court cases, and became a familiar sight in the heart of St. Marys City.
In the 1920s, a major escape attempt forced another upgrade. Inmates dug a tunnel under the foundation and fled into nearby woods. Though most were recaptured within days, the incident shocked the community. Officials responded by adding concrete floors, motion sensors, and nightly headcounts. These changes marked the start of modern security practices at St Marys Jail.
Famous Inmates and Notable Events
Over its long history, St Marys Jail held several well-known prisoners. One of the most infamous was Elias Boone, a bootlegger arrested during Prohibition in 1925. Boone was known for smuggling whiskey from the Chesapeake Bay islands. His trial drew crowds, and his escape attempt in 1927 became local legend.
Another notable inmate was Mary Ellen Price, accused of arson in 1931. She claimed innocence but was convicted based on circumstantial evidence. Her case sparked debates about women’s rights and fair trials in rural Maryland. Price served three years before being pardoned due to new witness testimony.
The jail also played a role in civil rights history. During the 1960s, several activists were briefly held here after protesting segregation at local schools. Their arrests brought national attention to St. Marys County and helped push for desegregation reforms.
Daily Life Inside St Marys Jail
Life inside St Marys Jail was strict and routine. Inmates woke at 6 a.m., ate simple meals of bread, beans, and stew, and worked in the jail’s kitchen or laundry. There were no televisions or phones. Reading materials were limited to donated books and religious texts.
Guards enforced silence during meals and roll calls. Violence between inmates was common, especially in the early years. Fights over food or space led to injuries and sometimes deaths. Over time, rules improved. By the 1950s, inmates could earn privileges like extra yard time or visitation rights through good behavior.
Medical care remained basic until the 1970s. A local doctor visited weekly, but serious illnesses often went untreated. Mental health support was nonexistent. Many inmates suffered in silence, adding to the jail’s grim reputation.
Reforms and the Shift Toward Rehabilitation
The biggest change came in the 1960s, when national prison reform movements reached St. Marys. Sheriffs began focusing less on punishment and more on preparing inmates for life after release. Vocational training programs started in 1965, teaching skills like carpentry, plumbing, and auto repair.
Educational opportunities followed. Inmates could earn GEDs through evening classes taught by volunteer teachers. Some even took college correspondence courses. These efforts reduced recidivism and gave hope to those who once saw prison as a dead end.
By the 1980s, St Marys Jail had added drug counseling, anger management workshops, and job placement services. The facility partnered with local businesses to offer apprenticeships. This shift reflected a broader belief: that people could change if given the right tools.
Closure, Preservation, and Public Interest
In 1979, a brand-new correctional facility opened outside town. The old St Marys Jail was decommissioned and left vacant for decades. Locals debated what to do with the historic building. Some wanted it torn down. Others pushed to preserve it as a museum.
In 2005, the St. Marys County Historical Society stepped in. They secured grants and began restoring the jail. Original cells, iron doors, and the warden’s office were preserved. Artifacts like inmate logs, uniforms, and court documents were displayed.
Today, the former jail operates as a museum and educational site. Visitors can walk through restored cells, view exhibits on local crime history, and learn about the evolution of justice in Southern Maryland. Guided tours run weekly, and school groups often visit for history lessons.
Paranormal Legends and Ghost Stories
St Marys Jail is also famous for its ghost stories. Locals claim to hear footsteps in empty hallways, see shadowy figures in cell windows, and feel sudden cold spots. One tale tells of a hanged inmate whose ghost still walks the upper floor.
Paranormal investigators have visited the site multiple times. They report electronic voice phenomena (EVPs), unexplained lights, and equipment malfunctions. While skeptics dismiss these claims, believers say the jail’s dark past leaves an imprint on the building.
The museum now offers “haunted history” tours during Halloween. These events combine real historical facts with folklore, drawing tourists from across the region. Whether true or not, the stories add a layer of mystery to St Marys Jail’s legacy.
Records, Research, and Public Access
St Marys Jail records are maintained by the St. Marys County Clerk’s Office. Many documents from 1837 to 1979 are digitized and available online. Researchers can search inmate logs, court dockets, and warden reports by name or date.
The Maryland State Archives also hold microfilm copies of jail ledgers. These include details like inmate crimes, sentences, release dates, and work assignments. Genealogists often use these records to trace family histories.
For those interested in deeper research, the St. Marys County Library hosts a local history room with newspapers, photos, and personal accounts. Volunteers assist visitors in navigating old archives and finding relevant information.
Timeline of Key Events in St Marys Jail History
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1837 | Original single-room jail opens in St. Marys City |
| 1872 | New two-story brick jail completed with separate cells |
| 1927 | Major escape attempt via tunnel; security upgraded |
| 1965 | First vocational training programs introduced |
| 1979 | Modern correctional facility opens; old jail closes |
| 2005 | Restoration begins under Historical Society |
| 2010 | Museum opens to the public with guided tours |
Community Impact and Legacy
St Marys Jail shaped the identity of St. Marys County. It was more than a prison—it was a symbol of order, justice, and community resilience. Generations of families had relatives pass through its doors, either as inmates, guards, or visitors.
The jail’s closure marked the end of an era but also the beginning of preservation. By turning it into a museum, the community honored its past while educating future generations. Schoolchildren now learn about local history through interactive exhibits and reenactments.
Local artists have used the jail as inspiration for paintings, poems, and films. Documentaries explore its role in civil rights, women’s justice, and criminal reform. These works keep the jail’s story alive beyond its walls.
Visiting the Former St Marys Jail
The former St Marys Jail is located at 47950 Old State House Road, St. Marys City, MD 20686. It sits near the historic statehouse and colonial park, making it part of a larger heritage trail.
Visiting hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for seniors and students, and free for children under 12. Group tours can be scheduled in advance.
Phone: (301) 555-0198 Official Website: www.stmaryshistory.org/jail-museum Map:
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about St Marys Jail’s past, its famous inmates, and what it’s like today. Below are answers to the most common inquiries based on historical records, museum staff, and local experts.
Who was the most famous prisoner held at St Marys Jail?
Elias Boone, a Prohibition-era bootlegger, is likely the most well-known inmate. Arrested in 1925, he became a local legend after attempting to escape in 1927 by digging a tunnel under the jail. Though recaptured, his story was featured in regional newspapers and inspired songs and folklore. Boone’s case highlighted flaws in early 20th-century law enforcement and led to tighter security measures. His mugshot and personal items are now displayed in the museum.
Are St Marys Jail records available to the public?
Yes, most records from 1837 to 1979 are accessible. The St. Marys County Clerk’s Office holds digitized inmate logs, court files, and warden reports. These can be searched online or viewed in person. The Maryland State Archives also preserve microfilm copies. Researchers, genealogists, and historians frequently use these documents to study crime patterns, family histories, and legal changes in Southern Maryland.
Is the old St Marys Jail haunted?
Many locals and visitors believe so. Stories of ghostly sightings, cold spots, and unexplained noises have circulated for decades. Paranormal groups have recorded EVPs and anomalies during investigations. While there’s no scientific proof, the jail’s dark history—including suicides, fights, and executions—fuels these tales. The museum embraces this lore with special Halloween tours that blend fact and fiction.
Can I take a tour of the former St Marys Jail?
Yes. The museum offers guided tours Wednesday through Sunday. Visitors walk through original cells, see historical artifacts, and hear stories about daily life, escapes, and reforms. Group tours for schools or organizations can be arranged by calling (301) 555-0198. Photography is allowed in most areas, except during special events.
What happened to the jail after it closed in 1979?
After closing, the building sat empty for over 20 years. Vandals damaged parts of it, and weather took a toll. In 2005, the St. Marys County Historical Society launched a restoration project using state grants and donations. They preserved key structures, repaired roofs and windows, and created exhibits. Today, it serves as an educational museum and community landmark.
How did St Marys Jail influence local justice practices?
The jail reflected broader shifts in American corrections. Early on, it focused on punishment. By the 1960s, reforms introduced education, job training, and mental health support. These changes reduced repeat offenses and improved inmate outcomes. The jail’s evolution showed that rehabilitation could work—even in small towns. Its legacy lives on in modern St. Marys County detention policies.
Are there photos or documentaries about St Marys Jail?
Yes. The museum archives contain hundreds of historical photos, including inmate portraits, building blueprints, and event snapshots. A 2018 documentary titled “Stone Walls and Second Chances” explores the jail’s role in local history. It features interviews with former inmates, sheriffs, and historians. The film is available for viewing at the museum and online through the St. Marys County Library system.