08/02/2023
"A Cell of Medieval Malevolence"? In the Ozarks? Actually, yes. No, we were not transported to Old England or France. We were instead, on the road in Nevada, Missouri. The sandstone facade is inviting, but belies the innards of cold iron and stark gloom draining hope from those that once found themselves walking through the door. This building inspired more dread in its inmates than the Missouri Penitentiary, in Jefferson City, Missouri--the 'bloodiest 47 acres' in America.
The old jail was built in 1860 and incorporated a free-standing iron-cage cellblock within the outer walls, so that reaching through the bars, fingertips still grasped at air, the walls and thought of escape ever beyond reach. It came to be called the "Cell of Medieval Malevolence" by its inmates. Originally unlit, later one bare lightbulb was hung to serve as the only light in the cell block. One pot bellied stove provided the only heat in winter, which was a reprieve from the sweltering heat of summer. Prisoners commonly offered to serve double sentences to be transferred to the State Penitentiary.
Now known as the Bushwhacker Jail, the name comes from the unique role of Nevada in the Civil War. Nevada was known as the home of the (Confederate) bushwhackers. Not one vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln in the entire county in 1860. Technically, one man attempted to do so but was turned away from the poll with strong persuasion.
"In 1863 murders, arsons, robberies of every sort were common. Nevada was preyed upon by both the Kansas Jayhawkers and Cedar County militia. The Federal militia considered Nevada City the “Bushwhackers” capital, and determined to burn the city and get rid of the “Bushwhackers.”
On May 25, 1863, Captain Anderson Morton, commander of the St Clair and Cedar County militia ordered his soldiers to burn the town and kill all the bushwhackers. All buildings were to be burned, but the household goods were to be spared. The soldiers marched to each house and said to the resident “We are going to burn this house; get your things and get out in 20 minutes. If you want any help we will help you, but the house must be burned.”
In all, about 75 house and other buildings were burned. The courthouse, stores, and the best dwelling house were all destroyed.....After the close of the war the smell of fire was on everything and the town sat solitary on the prairie. It was not raided anymore, for it was not worth raiding, but occasionally war parties passed through and said, 'Here is where Nevada City once stood'".
The jail survived, one of less than 10 structures left standing after the 1863 burning. In 1871 the front section of the jail was added and served as living quarters for the Sheriff and his family. Public hangings were held on site for defendants sentenced to death by the county court, including one where the noose did not snap the neck, and a gruesome death followed, drastically affecting those present, including the sheriff who took to his bed for three days. The jail was used as the county jail until 1960. Is it haunted? People tell of voices and shadows that move. Standing in those cells, it is easy to say yes, while you decide whether you heard a whisper behind you.
Sources:
https://ozarkscivilwar.org/about/the-bushwhacker-museum-and-jail
https://bushwhacker.org/all-about-the-bushwhacker-jail/
https://nevadamo.gov/history/
http://stone.poplarheightsfarm.org/vernon_county_jail.HTM
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