Squirrel Cage Jail in Haunted Iowa

Exploring the Enigmatic Squirrel Cage Jail of Iowa

Nestled in the heart of Iowa, the Pottawattamie County Jail, better known as the Squirrel Cage Jail, stands as a testament to unique architectural innovation and eerie legends. Constructed in 1885, this jail is not just any historical building—it’s one of the few rotary jails ever built in America and is infamous for its paranormal activities.

A Glimpse into the Past: The Architectural Wonder

The Squirrel Cage Jail’s design is a marvel of 19th-century engineering. As one of only 18 rotary jails built in the United States, its design features a large rotating platform that housed the cells. This unique setup allowed jailers to control inmate access without direct contact, simply by turning the platform to align a cell with the only exit. Originally built on the site of a former morgue, the jail’s history is as dark as it is fascinating.

Despite its innovative design, the rotary mechanism posed severe risks. The moving bars were a hazard; many inmates suffered injuries, and some even died, either from accidents or by their own hand. The jail’s operational challenges, combined with its grim history, led to its closure in 1969. Today, it claims a haunted legacy, with four deaths recorded during its years of operation—including one heart attack, one suicide, and two accidents.

Haunting of the Squirrel Cage: Ghostly Encounters

The Squirrel Cage Jail is a hotspot for paranormal investigators and those fascinated by ghost stories. Common reports from visitors include hearing unexplained footsteps in deserted corridors and seeing doors mysteriously open or close. Objects seem to move of their own accord, and eerie whispers fill the air, often captured as Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVPs) by ghost hunters using audio recording equipment.

These chilling encounters contribute to the jail’s reputation as one of Iowa’s most haunted locations, drawing the brave and curious from all over to explore its spooky confines.

Visiting the Haunted Jail

For those eager to experience the chilling atmosphere of the Squirrel Cage Jail, it is located at:

More information, including visitor details and special events, can be found on the official website of the Historical Society or the Council Bluffs Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Key Takeaways from the Squirrel Cage Jail’s Story

1. The Squirrel Cage Jail, one of the most haunted sites in Iowa, intrigues with its dark past and unique rotary design.
2. Constructed on an old morgue site in 1885, it stands out as one of the few rotary jails ever built.
3. The innovative yet problematic design led to numerous inmate injuries and fatalities, contributing to its haunted reputation.
4. The jail’s history of death includes accidents and suicides, with spirits believed to linger, haunting the site.
5. Paranormal phenomena such as unexplained noises, moving objects, and ghostly whispers attract enthusiasts and skeptics alike.