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Old City Jail


category : Pioneer Life
Old City Jail A unique stone building in Wilson, Kansas, is the round jail built around 1911. Originally it was used for a water tower of the city, with the lower part serving as the jail. The 18 foot diameter tower had an area down in the ground floor that was big enough for the city Constable to house his prisoners until the train or wagon came to take them to the county seat. In 1956 the bars were installed on the windows. The pump was in the tower part; it pumped water most of the time not only for human consumption, but also for laundry, gardens, and to water down the dirt roads, and for emergency fires.

The Old City Jail can be viewed year round in the alley between Avenue E and Avenue F in downtown Wilson.


Come visit us in Wilson, Kansas

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Old Wilson State Bank Building

The historic bank building was built in 1886 for multi-purposes to serve the people. The main floor housed the banking system and upstairs in the back was the first Telephone Company. Also on the upstairs on the south side of the building was a entry with stairs that led to two doctor'

Wilson, KS Historic Buildings

The Midland Railroad Hotel

The native limestone structure was originally built in 1889 as the "Power Hotel." In 1902 a fire gutted the interior of the Hotel leaving the limestone walls. Mr. Samuel Anspaugh agreed to purchase the hotel site if the town would raise the money for interior construction. A fund drive netted $2,250

Wilson, KS Historic Hotels


Historical Opera House & Museum

The community of Wilson has been hit by a heart breaking loss.

The Wilson Opera House and Opera House Museum, along with Dr. Whitmer'

Wilson, KS Museums

War Memorial

Located in Downtown Wilson in the city park by the railroad right of way is the World Wars Memorial in memory to those soldiers and marines who lost their lives during the wars.

Wilson, KS Memorials

Things to do Pioneer Life near Wilson, KS

Bell-Bogardus Indian Massacre and Cemetery

August 12, 1868 - At the homestead site of David A. Bogardus, 40 rods north of the Solomon River and 3 miles southeast of Wil...

Threshing Machine Canyon

In 1867, a party of travelers were transporting three threshing machines belonging to Brigham Young along the Smoky Hill Trai...

Butterfield Overland Despatch Trail

Stone markers can be seen where this trail crosses the north-south country roads. The Butterfield Overland Despatch followed ...