Old Clay County Jail — From Lockup to Local History
Steps from the square on 115 Court Street, the Old Clay County Jail is a sturdy brick landmark that housed county prisoners for much of the 20th century and later served community uses. The building’s downtown address appears in state records and historic photographs, and it remains a familiar face in Manchester’s streetscape.
“Step Back In Time With Us…”
—The Clay County Genealogical & Historical Society’s invitation to explore local history
Today, the county’s modern detention operations are located outside the core downtown at 67 Shamrock Road, while the Old Jail survives as a piece of the city’s heritage. The surrounding business district—Main, Bridge, Lawyer Streets and the Town Square—was recognized on the National Register of Historic Places in April 2023, underscoring the importance of buildings like the Old Jail in telling Manchester’s story.
If you’re planning a heritage walk, pair a stop at the Old Jail with a visit to the Clay County Genealogical & Historical Society’s offices at 202 Main Street (typically open Thu–Fri, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., and by appointment). Their volunteers preserve photographs, publish local history, and have supported preservation work on the Old Jail’s exterior.
Nearby
Town Square, Main St. shops, and other contributing buildings in the Manchester Historic District.
Research & Archives
Clay County Genealogical & Historical Society, 202 Main St.
Check current hours before visiting.
Credit: Historic photo via Wikimedia Commons (public domain). Community history and hours via the Clay County Genealogical & Historical Society; district status via the National Park Service; detention center location via county pages.
