In the late 1800s, architects came up with an entirely new way to house inmates: spinning jails. Yes – this unique contraption was once commonplace, but only three remain today. And the rotary jail in Indiana is the only one that still works! Take a tour through this dark and fascinating place and watch the cells rotate by hand crank. The Rotary Jail Museum is definitely one of the strangest places you can go in Indiana.
Take a day trip to Crawfordsville and experience a macabre part of Indiana’s history.
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Completed in 1881, this was the first rotary jail built in the United States.
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Take a guided tour and watch the wedge-shaped cells move around one central location.
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When jail keepers moved the hand crank, the entire hub rotated so the door could only be accessed through a singular opening.
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Though it was designed as a security measure, the results were disastrous.
Jill/TripAdvisor Many rotary jails throughout the United States trapped inmates’ limbs within the bars. Some individuals suffered crushed and broken bones! Because of this, rotary jails fell out of fashion several years later.
But this isn’t the only attraction at The Rotary Jail Museum.
AJP625/TripAdvisor The Rotary Jail Museum often offers specialty tours and events. If you want to learn more about Indiana’s fascinating past, walk over to the Tannenbaum Cultural Center at 107 W. Spring Street.
Experience a bizarre piece of history at The Rotary Jail Museum in Indiana.
hollymendoza/TripAdvisor You’ll find this destination at 225 N. Washington St., Crawfordsville, IN 47933. The museum is open from March 1 to December 15 every year. To learn more, visit the Rotary Jail Museum’s website or Facebook page.
Have you ever been to The Rotary Jail Museum? What do you think is the strangest place you can possibly go in Indiana? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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Rotary Jail Museum/Facebook
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Many rotary jails throughout the United States trapped inmates’ limbs within the bars. Some individuals suffered crushed and broken bones! Because of this, rotary jails fell out of fashion several years later.
AJP625/TripAdvisor
The Rotary Jail Museum often offers specialty tours and events. If you want to learn more about Indiana’s fascinating past, walk over to the Tannenbaum Cultural Center at 107 W. Spring Street.
hollymendoza/TripAdvisor
You’ll find this destination at 225 N. Washington St., Crawfordsville, IN 47933. The museum is open from March 1 to December 15 every year. To learn more, visit the Rotary Jail Museum’s website or Facebook page.
Want to learn more about our fascinating state? Check out our previous article: 8 Things About Indiana That Just Don’t Make Any Sense.
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Address: Rotary Jail Museum, 225 N Washington St, Crawfordsville, IN 47933, USA
