Old Blackford County Jail

Are you or your group interested in investigating The Old Blackford County Jail?  Maybe you wish to investigate the Ervin-Campbell Speakeasy right on the square? We would love to lock you away from the night!

There are a few things you should know….

OVERNIGHT INVESTIGATION INFO

• Up to 8 people
• 16 years of age or older and accompanied by PARENT WITH PROOF OF BIRTH CERTIFICATE
• We have waivers (on site) that everyone must sign in order to investigate.
• Government Issued ID REQUIRED

FRIDAY – SATURDAY  –
$450.00 for up to 8 people ($225 security deposit)

(over 8 people – $50 per person)

SUNDAY – THURSDAY –

$350.00 for up to 8 people ($175 security deposit)

(over 8 people – $50 per person)

**OFF SEASON PRICING- January 1-March 31 off-season pricing is in effect. Friday or Saturday is $350 and Sunday through Thursday is $250 for up to 8 people.

Your overnight investigation begins at 6 p.m. and ends the following morning at 10 a.m. Must be 16 years of age and over on overnights.

If you are investigating the Old Jail and wish to also investigate the Ervin-Campbell Speakeasy, there is an additional $100 fee.

Photoshoots – $25 per hour / minimum 2 Hours

Private History Tour – $25 per person / minimum of 3 people (11 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily)

Mini Ghost Hunt – $25 per person for 2 hours (11 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily)

Film Shoot Location – Call For Pricing

ACCOMMODATIONS AVAILABLE:
• MICROWAVE
• REFRIGERATOR
• ELECTRICITY ( most areas )
• WATER
• HEAT ( most areas )
• YOU MUST BRING YOUR OWN AIR MATTRESS OR COT. THERE IS NO SLEEPING ON THE BEDS IN BEDROOM OR THE COUCH.
• 6 Mattresses in Jail Cells (Bring own bedding)

LOCAL FOOD
• COMMON GROUNDS – 765.347.8008
• PIZZA KING – 765.348.1388
• LAPALMA RESTAURANT – 765.348.0040
• PICKLE LOUNGE – 765.347.4186
• TAQUERIA LOSS HERMANOS – 765.499.2013
• TASTY SPOON ( seasonal ) – 765.329.4119
• RICHARDS RESTAURANT- 765.348.5126
• CASEY’S – 765.348.1754
• PIZZA HUT – 765.348.2000
• MCDONALDS
• TACO BELL
• BURGER KING

We will work an arrival time out together and have our tour guide meet you on location. You’ll receive a 1 hour historical/paranormal tour and then the building belongs to you.

* Reservations must be made and confirmed in advance. You will be send an invoice using the “Square” software. Payment must be made immediately to confirm date.
* You will be responsible for any and all damage caused by your group. You damage it you pay for it!
* The use of alcohol or drugs is prohibited. We reserve the right to stop any investigation and have you removed
* if we catch or feel that this activity taking place. Discretion is solely of the management. Police will be contacted.

If you are going to investigate the old jail or the Ervin-Campbell Speakeasy building:

1) You must first read all of the information and make the required deposit.

2) You will be required to sign the waiver form when you arrive. Waivers are on-site.

3) Anyone willfully causing any damage to the property or theft/vandalism of any kind will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We work very closely with the Hartford City Police Department.

History

The old Blackford County Jail was established in 1879. The prison was an active prison until the end of 1995.

Hartford City, Indiana began in the late 1830s as a few log cabins clustered near a creek. The community became the county seat of Blackford County. This small farming community experienced a 15-year “boom” beginning in the late 1880s caused by the discovery of natural gas.

In the early 19th century, much of what would become the state of Indiana was still frequented by native Indian tribes. At least three tribes are almost certain to have visited the future Hartford City area during the 40 years before the town was settled, although there were no known permanent settlements in the immediate area.

Many stories linger to this day about Dillinger actually staying at the prison.

The jail is in very good shape for it’s age. Restoration work on the jail continues to bring the jail back to the way it was many many years ago. You almost step back into time when you enter the prison area. Whether you hear the cell doors close, lock yourself (if you dare) into the old drunk tank or visit the upstairs of the prison where it is said the women were housed, you should not be disappointed with your stay with us.

It is safe to say, the prison is still “active”!