Jailer's Inn Bed and Breakfast in Bardstown

I have walked past the Jailer's Inn in Bardstown before, but this was my first trip inside.

I have said before that I love going on ghost tours, and the odd historic tour with a bit of a dark side to it.  Well, for $5 the staff at the Jailer's Inn will give you a very nice tour of the site.  We felt this was actually a great deal.

We started our tour in the gift shop.  They had the predictable postcards and trinkets relating to a jail, but there were also some other interesting items to go along with the "crime and punishment" theme.

From the gift shop we moved through to an area where items were displayed from the hangings that occurred at the jail.  Shackles and a black hood were on display, as were photos from the actual hangings.  The presentation was startling and vivid.

From there, we walked through the still well preserved jail area.  One cell is still rented out to overnight guests during the warmer months.  A door used to give inmates their meals is still in that cell's door.  Our tour guide mentioned that one young girl who was serving time there tried to squeeze out of that small door to escape.  She got about half way through and then found herself stuck.

Various homemade weapons were on display. Other inmate made items, such as a key copy and a tattoo pin were there too.

Artwork done by former residents of the jail is on the wall.  My favorite was a painting of playing cards.  VERY nicely done!

Our guide told us a great story about Jesse James relating to the jail.  In fact, there is a photo on display showing Jesse in a family photo with local law enforcement!  It seems Jesse's kin had some authority in the area, and they no doubt had his back!

We were told some stories involving ghosts too, which is a bit standard in Bardstown.  Our guide had a honest feel to her, which gave her stories more credibility than some.

After exploring the cells, the shower area, and other places where criminals were once held, we were taken to the courtyard.

The old stonewall around the courtyard is cozy and private.  Having breakfast here on a summer morning would be great.  However, knowing about the hangings that happened in this area may be a little unsettling for some.  See the photos above for a "then and now" comparison of the back of the jail today....  and a photo of the same spot with a scaffold in front of it.

The Jailer's Inn is right next to the Old Talbott Tavern making the center of Bardstown a great stop for a fan of history.


http://www.jailersinn.com/