Squirrel Cage Jail in Haunted Iowa

The History of the Squirrel Cage Jail

The Pottawattamie County Jail in Iowa, famously known as the Squirrel Cage Jail, has gained a reputation as one of the most haunted locations in Iowa. Constructed in 1885 on the grounds of an old morgue, this jail stands out not only for its dark past but also for its unique architectural design. It is one of only 18 rotary jails ever built in the United States. This peculiar concept originated in the American Midwest during the late 19th century, where jails were designed with cells situated on a rotating platform enclosed by a massive cage, allowing for only a single exit. The intention behind this design was to prevent multiple inmates from escaping simultaneously.

However, the rotary jails faced significant issues due to the machinery involved. Inmates would often attempt to stick their hands, feet, or other body parts between the rotating bars, resulting in severe injuries or even death. These inherent problems eventually led to the closure of all rotary jails, with the Squirrel Cage Jail being the last one condemned in December 1969. Nonetheless, during its operational years, the jail claimed four lives: one from a heart attack, one by suicide, and two due to accidents. It is believed that one or more of these spirits continue to linger within the confines of the Squirrel Cage Jail, with reports of paranormal activity dating back to its early days.

Is the Squirrel Cage Jail Haunted?

The Squirrel Cage Jail has been a site of numerous ghostly encounters, capturing the attention and curiosity of visitors, museum staff, former officers, and inmates alike. One common paranormal phenomenon reported is the sound of footsteps echoing throughout the jail, even in areas that are completely abandoned. Witnesses have described hearing footsteps when there is no one present, creating an eerie and unsettling atmosphere within the jail’s walls.

In addition to the phantom footsteps, unexplained movements have been observed by individuals exploring the jail. These movements manifest as objects shifting or appearing to move on their own. Visitors have reported witnessing doors closing or opening by themselves, as if manipulated by unseen forces. These occurrences contribute to the sense of unease and fascination surrounding the haunted reputation of the Squirrel Cage Jail.

Whispers and disembodied voices have also been documented within the jail’s confines. People have reported hearing hushed conversations or unintelligible murmurs when no one else is around. These unexplained auditory phenomena add to the overall mystique and haunting nature of the location.

Furthermore, paranormal investigators and enthusiasts have captured compelling evidence of the spiritual presence at the Squirrel Cage Jail through audio recordings. Electronic voice phenomena (EVPs) have been recorded, capturing whispers, voices, or other unexplained sounds that cannot be accounted for by the living. These recordings provide further validation of the ghostly activity within the jail.

The Squirrel Cage Jail continues to attract individuals interested in the paranormal, eager to experience the haunted ambiance and potentially encounter the lingering spirits that reside within its walls.

Address:
Pottawattamie County Jail (Squirrel Cage Jail)
226 Pearl Street
Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503

Sources:
1. The Squirrel Cage Jail official website: https://www.thehistoricalsociety.org/museums/squirrel-cage-jail-1.html
2. Council Bluffs Convention & Visitors Bureau: https://www.unleashcb.com/

TL;DR Highlights

1. The Pottawattamie County Jail, known as the Squirrel Cage Jail, is considered one of Iowa’s most haunted locations.
2. Built in 1885 on the site of an old morgue, the Squirrel Cage Jail is a unique architectural marvel as one of only 18 rotary jails in the United States.
3. The rotary design of the jail, intended to prevent multiple inmates from escaping simultaneously, led to significant problems with inmates getting injured or killed by the rotating bars.
4. The jail claimed four lives during its operation, including one from a heart attack, one from suicide, and two from accidents, and it is believed that their spirits remain within the jail.
5. Witnesses have reported footsteps, unexplained movements, whispers, and captured audio recordings of ghostly voices, adding to the haunted reputation and attracting paranormal enthusiasts to the Squirrel Cage Jail.