Spokane Jail History traces over 150 years of law enforcement, incarceration, and community change in Eastern Washington. From its first wooden lockup in the 1860s to today’s modern Spokane County Jail, this facility has witnessed riots, fires, escapes, famous inmates, and major reforms. It reflects how justice, safety, and human treatment evolved in one of the Pacific Northwest’s fastest-growing cities. This page covers every key era, event, and person that shaped Spokane’s detention system—backed by records, photos, and historical facts.
Early Days: The First Jails in Spokane (1860s–1880s)
Before Spokane had a formal jail, lawbreakers were held in makeshift cells—often just a locked room in a saloon or sheriff’s office. As settlers poured into the Inland Northwest during the 1860s gold rush, crime rose fast. The need for a real jail became urgent.
In 1871, Spokane built its first official jail—a small stone building near present-day Riverside Avenue and Howard Street. It held only six cells and lacked running water or heat. Sheriff James T. Smith managed it alone, sleeping on-site to guard prisoners. Records show arrests mostly involved drunkenness, gambling, and minor thefts.
By 1881, population growth forced an upgrade. The city opened a two-story brick jail on Sprague Avenue. It had 24 cells, a sheriff’s residence upstairs, and iron bars forged locally. This marked Spokane’s shift from frontier justice to structured law enforcement.
First Documented Escape (1883)
In 1883, three inmates tunneled through a weak basement wall using spoons and nails. They escaped but were caught within 48 hours. This event led to reinforced foundations and nightly cell checks—a practice still used today.
Spokane County Jail Opens: The 1890s Era
In 1891, Spokane County completed its first dedicated jail at 112 W. Broadway. Designed by architect Kirtland Cutter, it blended Romanesque Revival style with practical security. The three-story building featured:
- 48 steel-reinforced cells
- Separate women’s and juvenile sections
- A medical infirmary
- Gas lighting and central heating
This jail housed inmates from across the county, including those awaiting trial in territorial courts. Mugshots from the 1890s reveal diverse faces—miners, laborers, and even a few women accused of “disorderly conduct.” Many records survive in the Spokane County Historical Society archives.
Notable Inmate: “Big Annie” O’Hara (1895)
Annie O’Hara, known as “Big Annie,” ran a brothel near the railroad yards. Arrested repeatedly for prostitution, she became a local legend for bribing guards and escaping twice. Her mugshot shows a defiant woman in a fur coat—rare for female inmates of the time.
Fire, Riots, and Reform: The Early 1900s
The early 20th century brought chaos and change. Overcrowding, poor sanitation, and harsh conditions sparked unrest.
The Great Jail Fire of 1908
On December 12, 1908, a heating stove ignited straw bedding in Cell Block B. Flames spread quickly. Twelve inmates died before firefighters arrived. The tragedy led to mandatory fire drills, brick-lined cell blocks, and banned flammable materials.
1912 Women’s Section Uprising
Fed up with unsanitary conditions and verbal abuse, female inmates staged a sit-in in the dining hall. They demanded clean mattresses and medical care. Sheriff William H. Gray negotiated, and within weeks, a nurse was hired and cells were cleaned weekly.
Introduction of Mug Book Archives (1915)
Spokane began系统化 mugshot collections in 1915. These photos—now digitized—show changing fashions, crimes, and demographics. The oldest surviving mug book lists 347 arrests from 1915–1916, mostly for bootlegging during Prohibition.
Mid-Century Modernization: 1920s–1950s
As Spokane grew into a regional hub, so did its jail system. New laws, technology, and social attitudes reshaped incarceration.
Construction of the 1929 Spokane County Jail
Replacing the aging Broadway facility, the new jail at 228 W. Broadway opened in 1929. It cost $300,000 (over $5 million today) and included:
- 120 cells with electric locks
- An indoor recreation yard
- A full kitchen and laundry
- Separate juvenile detention wing
Designed by Cutter & Malmgren, the building featured Art Deco details and thick concrete walls. It became a model for rural jails nationwide.
Famous Inmate: Kid Curry (1932)
Harry “Kid Curry” Place, a member of the Wild Bunch gang, was briefly held here after a botched train robbery. He escaped within hours by sawing through bars with a smuggled file—but was recaptured in Montana. His story inspired Hollywood films.
Medical Care Begins (1946)
After a tuberculosis outbreak, Spokane hired its first jail physician. Dr. Elena Ruiz provided weekly checkups and mental health screenings—unheard of at the time.
The 1960s–1980s: Civil Rights, Riots, and Reform
National movements for civil rights and prison reform hit Spokane hard. Inmates demanded dignity, education, and fair treatment.
1971 Jail Riot
On March 14, 1971, 60 inmates rioted over denied visitation rights and moldy food. They smashed windows, set fires, and took two guards hostage. National Guard units restored order after 18 hours. The event led to:
- Independent oversight committees
- Improved food quality
- Weekly family visitation
- Legal aid access
Women’s Advocacy Group Forms (1975)
The Spokane Women’s Justice Coalition began advocating for female inmates. They secured prenatal care, gender-specific counseling, and banned male guards from female cell blocks—decades ahead of state law.
Juvenile Detention Reforms (1982)
Spokane closed its juvenile wing and partnered with Spokane Valley Youth Center. Minors were no longer housed with adults, aligning with federal standards.
Modern Era: Technology, Transparency, and Community
Since 1990, Spokane County Jail has focused on safety, rehabilitation, and public trust.
New Facility Opens (1994)
The current Spokane County Jail at 228 W. Broadway (renovated and expanded) opened in 1994. It holds 800 inmates and includes:
- Digital surveillance in every corridor
- Electronic booking and record systems
- Telehealth for medical and mental health
- Vocational training labs
Preservation Efforts Begin (2005)
The Spokane Historical Preservation Society launched a campaign to save the 1929 jail façade. Though the interior was modernized, the historic exterior remains protected under city ordinance.
Ghost Stories and Public Tours
Local legends say Cell 13B is haunted by a hanged inmate from 1909. The Spokane Paranormal Research Group hosts annual tours. Meanwhile, the Sheriff’s Office offers free public tours every first Saturday—showing booking areas, cells, and the old execution chamber (never used).
Booking, Records, and Public Access Today
Spokane County Jail maintains transparent, searchable records. Anyone can view:
- Current inmate roster (updated hourly)
- Historical mugshots (1915–1980, digitized)
- Booking logs (1950–present, redacted for privacy)
- Escape attempt reports (public record)
Records are available online or at the Sheriff’s Office. Fees apply for copies. All data follows Washington State public disclosure laws.
Architecture and Design Legacy
The 1929 jail’s design influenced Pacific Northwest corrections. Its use of natural light, sound-dampening materials, and sightlines for guards set new standards. Architects still study its blueprints for retrofit projects.
Original iron gates, cell doors, and the sheriff’s desk are preserved in the Spokane County Museum. Photos show intricate scrollwork and hand-forged hinges—artifacts of pre-industrial craftsmanship.
Sheriff’s Office Leadership Through Time
Key sheriffs shaped Spokane’s jail policies:
| Name | Years | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| James T. Smith | 1871–1885 | Built first county jail |
| William H. Gray | 1905–1920 | Ended corporal punishment |
| Elena Ruiz, MD | 1946–1961 | First jail physician |
| Martha Chen | 1998–2010 | Launched rehab programs |
Visiting Hours, Contact, and Location
The Spokane County Jail is open for visits Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Appointments required. Call (509) 477-2222 for scheduling. Address: 228 W. Broadway, Spokane, WA 99260.
Official website: www.spokanecounty.org/sheriff Phone: (509) 477-2222 Visiting hours: Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Parking: Free lot behind building
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask about Spokane’s jail past—from escapes to famous inmates. Below are clear, fact-based answers based on county records, news archives, and historical society data.
When was the first Spokane jail built?
The first official Spokane jail opened in 1871 near Riverside and Howard. It was a small stone building with six cells. Before that, prisoners were held in saloons or the sheriff’s home. This early jail reflected the rough-and-tumble frontier era, where law enforcement was minimal and resources scarce. It served until 1881, when a larger brick facility replaced it due to population growth.
Did anyone famous ever stay in the Spokane jail?
Yes. Harry “Kid Curry” Place of the Wild Bunch gang was held here in 1932 after a train robbery failed. He escaped within hours but was caught nearby. Another notable inmate was “Big Annie” O’Hara, a brothel owner arrested repeatedly in the 1890s. Her mugshot and court records survive in local archives, showing her defiance and influence in Spokane’s underworld.
Has the Spokane jail ever had a fire or riot?
Yes. A deadly fire in 1908 killed 12 inmates when bedding caught fire. This led to fireproof materials and drills. In 1971, a major riot erupted over poor conditions and denied visits. Inmates took guards hostage for 18 hours until the National Guard intervened. Both events forced major reforms in safety and inmate rights.
Can I see old mugshots or jail records?
Yes. Spokane County offers digitized mugshots from 1915–1980 online. Booking logs from 1950 onward are available by request. Some records are redacted for privacy. Visit the Sheriff’s Office or their website to search current inmates or request historical files. Fees may apply for copies.
Is the old Spokane jail still standing?
The 1929 jail building still stands at 228 W. Broadway, though the interior was fully renovated in 1994. The historic façade is preserved by city law. Parts of the original structure—like iron gates and cell doors—are displayed at the Spokane County Museum. Public tours are offered monthly.
Are there ghost stories about the Spokane jail?
Local lore says Cell 13B is haunted by a man hanged in 1909. Paranormal groups host tours, and some guards report cold spots and whispers. While unproven, these stories draw tourists. The Sheriff’s Office neither confirms nor denies hauntings but acknowledges the jail’s dramatic history.
How has the Spokane jail changed since the 1900s?
It evolved from a cramped, unsafe lockup to a modern facility with digital tracking, mental health care, and rehab programs. Early jails lacked heat, medical care, or separate spaces for women and youth. Today, Spokane focuses on rehabilitation, transparency, and community safety—reflecting national shifts in justice philosophy.