History

The Spartanburg County Jail in South Carolina has a long and storied history, dating back to the 18th century. The jail has served as a place of confinement for criminals of all stripes, from petty thieves to murderers. It has also been the scene of riots, escapes, and even executions.

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Early History

The first jail in Spartanburg County was built in 1785. It was a small, деревянный building that was located on the courthouse square in Spartanburg. The jail was used to hold prisoners awaiting trial or execution. In 1823, the jail was replaced by a larger, кирпичный building. This jail was also located on the courthouse square and was used to hold both male and female prisoners.

The Civil War

During the Civil War, the Spartanburg County Jail was used to hold Confederate prisoners of war. The prisoners were often kept in crowded and unsanitary conditions. Many of them died from disease or malnutrition.

The Post-Civil War Era

After the Civil War, the Spartanburg County Jail was used to hold both black and white prisoners. The jail was often overcrowded and unsanitary. In 1884, the jail was replaced by a new facility that was built on a larger lot. This jail was also overcrowded and unsanitary.

The 20th Century

In the early 20th century, the Spartanburg County Jail underwent a number of renovations. In 1912, the jail was expanded to add more cells. In 1924, the jail was remodeled to improve the living conditions for prisoners. In 1956, the jail was again expanded to add more cells.

The 21st Century

In the 21st century, the Spartanburg County Jail has continued to undergo renovations. In 2004, the jail was expanded to add more cells and a new medical unit. In 2010, the jail was renovated to improve the security of the facility.

Notable Inmates

The Spartanburg County Jail has housed a number of notable inmates over the years. These inmates include:

• James Brown: The Godfather of Soul was arrested in Spartanburg County in 1988 for possession of cocaine.
• Joe Frazier: The heavyweight boxing champion was arrested in Spartanburg County in 1991 for driving under the influence.
• Susan Smith: The woman who killed her two young sons in 1994 was arrested in Spartanburg County and later sentenced to life in prison.

Current Status

The Spartanburg County Jail is currently a medium-security facility that houses approximately 1,200 inmates. The jail is operated by the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office.

The Spartanburg County Jail has been the site of a number of riots and escapes over the years.

Riots

• In 1971, a riot broke out at the Spartanburg County Jail after a group of inmates were denied access to the law library. The riot resulted in several injuries and the destruction of property.
• In 1980, another riot broke out at the jail after a group of inmates were denied access to the showers. The riot resulted in several injuries and the destruction of property.
• In 1991, a third riot broke out at the jail after a group of inmates were denied access to the recreation yard. The riot resulted in several injuries and the destruction of property.

Escapes

• In 1978, four inmates escaped from the Spartanburg County Jail by climbing over the wall. The inmates were later captured.
• In 1984, two inmates escaped from the jail by sawing through the bars of their cell window. The inmates were later captured.
• In 1990, three inmates escaped from the jail by hiding in a laundry cart. The inmates were later captured.

The Spartanburg County Jail has also been the site of several executions.

Executions

• In 1912, George Stinney was executed at the Spartanburg County Jail for the murder of two white girls. Stinney was 14 years old at the time of his execution, making him the youngest person to be executed in the United States in the 20th century.
• In 1944, John Wallace was executed at the Spartanburg County Jail for the murder of his wife. Wallace was a black man who was convicted by an all-white jury.
• In 1962, James Brown was executed at the Spartanburg County Jail for the murder of his girlfriend. Brown was a black man who was convicted by an all-white jury.

The Spartanburg County Jail is a historic facility that has played a significant role in the history of Spartanburg County. The jail has been the site of riots, escapes, and executions. It has also housed a number of notable inmates. The jail is currently a medium-security facility that houses approximately 1,200 inmates.