Strange light anomaly captured at front entrance.
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History: The stately Franklin County Jail is a historic landmark built in 1880 serving as the county jail until 1988. It is a true example of a ‘mom and pop’ jail, and one of only a handful of such historic jails still preserved across the Country. Over the years it has been used as a place to hold prisoners, a temporary housing facility for Native Americans, and as a place of refuge for those facing social injustice.
The jail consisted of three cells and was built with thick, limestone walls. It was originally heated with coal, though later converted to natural gas. The jail also had a bell tower, which was used to signal an escape or other emergency. The inmates of the jail were mainly brought in for minor crimes, such as vagrancy and petty theft. They were held in the jail for short periods of time, usually a few days to a week. The jail also held more serious criminals, such as those charged with murder or arson. Claims: There are numerous paranormal claims associated with the old Jail. Some of the most common stories include reports of strange noises, disembodied voices, and sightings of an apparition known as "The Gray Lady." Other accounts tell of the ghost of a former jailer who roams the halls and has been known to interact with visitors. Some people have claimed to experience cold spots, unexplained movement, and the feeling of being watched. Our Findings: We investigated the Old Franklin County Jail in February, 2023. During our investigation of the jail, it was very quiet. We conducted EVP sessions and used a variety of equipment including full spectrum cameras, rem pods, and the SLS camera. While we were unable to document the majority of the paranormal claims, we did capture a strange light anomaly and an unidentified voice. The Old Franklin County Jail is a well-preserved piece of Iowa history. Haunted or not, it’s worth a look. |