1859 JAIL MUSEUM IS A MUST-SEE FOR HISTORY BUFFS

Life In The Frontier Jail

Independence is home to amazing history, and the 1859 Jail Museum is one of the oldest surviving structures in Jackson County. This once-active jailhouse served as a home for the jailers, their families, and the criminals who occupied the cells. Come along to learn about the history and hauntings of this historic gem.

Not only did the jail hold the prisoners, the jailer or deputy and their family lived and worked in this building too. The front of the building served as the home of the jailer. The wife of the jailer often cooked meals for the family and those that occupied the cells.

Life In The Cell Block

The original jail consisted of 12 cells, 6 upstairs and 6 downstairs. Each cell was constructed with two-foot-thick limestone walls. The cells were six feet by nine feet. Each cell could hold up to three prisoners at a time; although, during the Civil War, up to 20 prisoners were placed in each cell, including women and children. Lighting was limited to a single kerosene lamp in the hallway. The prisoners often felt the elements from a small window covered with grated iron. The cell block had no heating or cooling. Some incarcerated people passed away from exposure to the elements during the jail’s history –which some believe may have led to hauntings.

Historically Haunted

Along with prisoner deaths, the jail had an unfortunate event that resulted in the death of one of the jailers. Henry Bugler and his family were the first to live in the home portion of the jail in 1859. On June 13, 1866, Henry was shot and killed between 10-11 PM by a group of 6-7 men. The group was speculated to be part of the Jesse James gang demanding the release of a horse thief named Joe Perry and another prisoner. Bulger was struck in the heart in a cascade of bullets. One of the men then ran into the home and set it ablaze. Bulger’s wife would take over the remainder of his term as the jailer, all while being pregnant, mother to her six children, and up to ten orphans of Jackson County who were placed in her care by the Court. She became known as the only female jailer of the 1859 jail.

Want to know more about the 1859 Jail & Marshall Home Museum - like what famous criminals, political and wartime individuals spent time in jail cells? Blaze a trail to the historic 1859 Jail Museum to learn about the jailers, their families, and the prisoners of the jail with a visit to Independence. They’ve added more hours, making it easier than ever to experience this great story. Lock-in your visit soon.