To commemorate and help promote the new Lost Landmarks image gallery, “Across the Creek” introduces a new series of posts. Enjoy a snapshot of old Lincoln Park, Denver. UPDATED to include some interior views.

Denver County Jail

While this impressive structure could be mistaken for a Cathedral, the multi-story rock ashlar building actually did house many of Denver’s sinners as the County Jail from 1891 to 1956. Supposedly, A C Hunt had donated the parcel of land to the City with hope of seeing the Capitol building erected and thereby improving his own holdings, but Brown, Evans and the citizens of Denver made other plans. It was razed in 1963, making way for a street realignment and the Courthouse Square Apartments we see today. Bonus: since it was a prominent landmark, we have multiple images of this one!

This image was taken from the SE corner, from the old Santa Fe Drive alignment and 14th.

Denver County Jail 1918. Courtesy DPL, Western History Collection X-29712

From across Kalamath, near 14th Ave.

County Jail Approx 1910, Courtesy DPL Western History Collection X-29711

Also from across Kalamath, showing the Colfax side connected to the courthouse building still standing today.

Denver County jail, Courtesy DPL, Western History Collection X-20608

Great image of interior!

The Main Rotunda of the Denver Jail showing four tiers of cells. Courtesy DPL Western History Collection C352.078883 D4373mu

From Colfax and Speer. While the Judicial building has been preserved, the image below also shows the context of  the larger jail structure behind it.

West side court building at Speer Blvd. & W. Colfax Ave. constructed in 1920 & provided space for 2 court rooms & all supporting facilities later housed the offices of the District Attorney until 1984. DPL, Western History Collection Rh-534

For some added human interest, we have a final shot of the defendant from the Brown Palace Murder trial with the jail as dramatic backdrop.

Trio in front of Denver County Jail 1915, Courtesy DPL Western History Collection Rh-1446

Visit the larger Lost Landmarks gallery to see a fuller timeline of the La Alma-Lincoln Park neighborhood, including some maps and aerial images showing the jail building.

Click on thumbnails below to enter Denver County Jail image carousel.