The Territorial Jail

Most of the inmates imprisoned here were convicted of relatively minor crimes such as fighting and drunkenness, some spent time for robbery, moonshining during prohibition and gambling after it was outlawed. The jail also briefly housed a few prisoners accused of shooting and murder. Prisoners guilty of serious crimes were eventually sent to the State Prison in Salt Lake City.

The Industrial Workers of the World insignia was burned on the wall of the largest cell with candle smoke in 1916 when some of the "Wobblies" were jailed after a labor demonstration. The IWW was founded in 1905 in Chicago and called for more radical changes in industry. "They were great song writers and singers, but not so good as organizers," said Tim Rice, who has studied the groups history. IWW member Joe Hill, famous for his songs, worked in Park City at the Silver King Mine. He was executed by a firing squad for murder in Salt Lake City.

The jail initially had a clay floor and was lighted with candles or gas lanterns. It was later "modernized" with a concrete floor, electricity and a toilet. The walls were built of native stone from quarries north of town. Arm irons, handcuffs and leg irons were made and installed by Berry Brothers Blacksmiths during its original construction. The only escape attempt ever made was through small openings in the ceiling of one of the cells. It, however, led into the firemen's quarters and a rapid capture was made. The holes were later covered with iron bars.