Old Brunswick County Jail open and free to tour

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — If you’re looking for something different yet historic for you and the family to do this summer you don’t have to look far. The Old Brunswick County Jail in Southport is open and free to tour.

This jail was built in 1904 to replace the city jail that was destroyed by a fire set by an inmate trying to escape. This building was used to house inmates until 1971. Since then, the Southport Historical Society has turned it into a museum for all to see.

Although it was a jail, organizers say it’s great fun for the family. People can get their mug shots and finger prints taken, all while learning about it’s history.

Nancy Christianson of the Old Brunswick County Jail told us, “It is just very unique. There are not many towns which have a historic site that is a jail, and we have lots of artifacts that we show people, lots of stories we tell people about what has happened here. Who was kept here. The movies that were made here.”

From now until October the jail is open Wednesday and Saturday from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM and will be open on Friday’s as well during July and August.