The old Blackford County Jail was established in 1879 and operated until the end of 1995.

Hartford City, Indiana was founded in the late 1830s. Beginning as a few log cabins clustered near a creek, the community grew and became the county seat of Blackford County. This small farming town experienced a 15-year “boom” in the late 1880s when natural gas was discovered.

In the early 19th century, much of what would become the state of Indiana was still inhabited by Native American tribes. While many of these are almost certain to have visited the future Hartford City area prior to the town’s founding, there were no known permanent Native American settlements in the immediate area.

The history of the jail is rich with stories of former sheriffs, their families, and the inmates, including many stories about Dillinger actually staying at the prison.

The jail is in very good shape for it’s age. There still remains one of the last functioning cast iron turnstiles leading back into the cell block. Restoration work on the jail continues. 

Below, you will find some photos and articles that further detail the history of the Old Blackford County Jail.