Caldwell Historic Jail & Museum

In the town square of historic downtown Caldwell, Ohio resides a very unique museum located inside a house. The home dates back to 1882 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It provides a unique insight into smalltown life during the late 19th century. 

Inside is a fully furnished historic home that once belonged to the Noble County Sheriff and his family. At first glance, it appears to be just another quaint family home. However, a closer look inside reveals four large holes built into the walls. These holes allowed jail inmates to communicate with the sheriff whenever they were in need. It’s a rare example of when small community jails sometimes doubled as the sheriff’s home. 

Each room of the museum is chock full of historical items representing small-town life in Ohio. Even the jail cells are packed full of artifacts, such as antique sheriff uniforms, items from the town apothecary, and even pieces of the USS Shenandoah crash which landed in nearby Ava, Ohio.