The Historic 1905 Franklin County Jail

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The Historic 1905 Franklin County Jail , following complete restoration and placement on The National Register of Historic Places, was opened as an Interpretive Museum in 1996. During 1998 the front portico was replaced and upper floors were developed for additional museum space. Fulfillment of an Illinois DCEO application in 2009 for Tourism Attraction Signage on I-57 has resulted in an average visitation of 35 guests daily from outside the region.

2016 Hours of operation are:

Monday through Saturday

10:00am- 3:00pm

Closed Sunday

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Franklin County Civil War Memorial- This Georgia Marble monument, 16 feet in height, was constructed and dedicated in honor of Major General John A. Logan and the 214 Civil War Veterans who gave their lives for the cause of the Union in 1998 . This “long overdue” tribute was dedicated on the grounds of the Historic Jail Museum by former Illinois Congressmen Kenneth Gray and Glen Poshard.

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The original photo of the crowd of 5000 who gatherd as Charlie Birger prepares to drop into history as the last execution by hanging East of Jail on April 19th 1928. Birger ws incarcerated within jail for one year during his trial.  You can view the recreated scene on the grounds of the Franklin County Jail Museum, brought to you by the Franklin County Historic Preservation Society.

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