Wetumpka Old Calaboose 3 — Old Calaboose (Katherine Soffia / The Bama Buzz)

A small brick building right next to the Coosa River holds history that outdates the city it stands in. The Old Calaboose jail in downtown Wetumpka is easy to spot but the history behind goes beyond the simplicity of the building.

Keep reading to uncover its fascinating origins and why it’s still standing strong after all these years.

A Small Jail That Holds a Big Story

Wetumpka Old Calaboose 1 — Old Calaboose (Katherine Soffia / The Bama Buzz)

Though simple in appearance, the Wetumpka Old Calaboose is packed with historical significance. It was built during a time when Alabama was just beginning to shape its identity, and Wetumpka was a frontier settlement growing along the banks of the Coosa River.

These early jails—known as “calabooses,” a term derived from the Spanish word calabozo—were designed to be functional above all else. Though it no longer serves its original purpose, the Calaboose still stands as a quiet reminder of the town’s early days, when law and order looked a lot different than it does now.

Today, it’s more than brick and bars—it’s a rare glimpse into the grit and growth of early Alabama life.

Tucked Away Since 1820: Wetumpka’s Hidden Historic Gem

Wetumpka Old Calaboose 2J — Old Calaboose Sign (Katherine Soffia/ The Bama Buzz)

Tucked away in downtown Wetumpka is a small but mighty piece of Alabama history—one that’s seen outlaws, transformations, and nearly two centuries of change. Here’s what you might not know about one of the town’s oldest surviving landmarks:

🔨 Built circa 1820, just after Alabama became a state.
🏛️ One of the oldest structures still standing in Wetumpka.
🔒 Barred windows + thick brick walls made to keep the rowdy locked in tight.
🛍️ Hiding behind Bridge Street shops—blink and you might miss it!
📜 Part of the East Wetumpka Commercial Historic District, home to 25+ buildings from the 1800s & early 1900s.

Want to see it?

You won’t need a ticket or a tour guide—just a sense of curiosity and a little time to wander. Wetumpka’s Old Calaboose is quietly nestled on Orline Street, tucked behind the row of Bridge Street shops in the heart of downtown. It’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it, which makes finding it feel like uncovering a secret from Alabama’s early days.

🚗 Driving: From US-231, turn onto Hill Street → take a left on Orline Street → the Calaboose will be on your right, in a small parking lot behind the storefronts. 🅿️ Free public parking is usually available nearby, so you can take your time and explore the area.

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