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Cunningham Castle
Castles built in Europe during the Middle Ages are known to be architecturally pleasing on the outside, but gloomy on the inside. It was no different for the castle-like jail built in Stockton in 1893 on the northeast corner of San Joaquin and Channel Streets. The building was nicknamed “Cunningham’s Castle” for its fortress-like design and its construction under the supervision of Sheriff Thomas Cunningham.
Several architectural plans were submitted to the Board of Supervisors before the building’s Richardsonian Romanesque design was chosen. This unique architectural style was popular in the 1890’s, mainly in large cities in the northeast United States. The building style was influenced by medieval architecture and is characterized by round masonry towers and turrets with conical roofs, short robust columns, contrasting stone colors and rough-faced stonework.
Construction of the three-story brick building began in 1891 but was not completed until 1893 due to financial problems. Expensive masonry used in the construction design contributed to a final cost of $90,000. At the time, the facility was considered one of the finest jail designs in the state for its security and modern features. The first two floors contained eight cells laid out in a semi-circular arrangement. The basement held six cells. There were additional cells for women prisoners and witnesses. The cells, referred to as “tanks”, were completely enclosed except for windows in the doors. The jail had its own gas well which provided heat and lighting.
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