The land was purchased from the widow of Dr. E.H. Manson, after the house on the property burned down in a fire.
The county commissioners decided to build the jail themselves, under the supervision of Frink, instead of contracting work.
Construction of the massive stone building began in 1871 and was finally completed two years later in 1873. m The first prisoners were moved in on August 14, 1873.
The front section of the building was the home of sheriff J. Monroe Smith and his family.
Through the exhibits, visitors are able to see and learn about the life in Bradford County, from the early days to the present.