This Jail in Arizona’s Ghost Town Is Famous for Sliding Down 200 Feet From Where It Was First Built

Nature lovers have their hands full with the countless attractions in Arizona. How about history buffs? Well, if you are one, we’re happy to say you’ll be in for a treat too!

Did you know that you can find a peculiar attraction that captivates visitors in the heart of Jerome, Arizona? The unique history of the Sliding Jail will intrigue you! 

The Sliding Jail was built in the early 20th century during Jerome’s mining heyday

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Welcome to the Sliding Jail Park, a small yet fascinating site located in what was once a booming mining town turned charming ghost town! Just take note — this isn’t your ordinary historical site. This jail is famous for literally moving from its original location—without any assistance from bulldozers or cranes! 

How is that possible? Before we get to that, why not learn more about this attraction first? The sliding jail was initially constructed to detain those who ran afoul of the law in this wild, bustling community. 

However, Jerome was built precariously on the steep slopes of Cleopatra Hill, and the combination of loose soil and extensive mining operations made the ground notoriously unstable. You could already connect the dots. It wasn’t long before the town experienced a bizarre phenomenon: its jail began to slide downhill.

This Sliding Jail gradually moved more than 200 feet from its original location

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The story goes that, over a period of years, the jail gradually moved from its original location. This slow journey happened as the land beneath it eroded and shifted, a direct result of the blasting in the copper mines below the town. 

What makes this event more fascinating is that the jail remained relatively intact during its unplanned journey down the hill. Today, it sits off Main Street, resting at a discernible tilt that visually tells the tale of its strange migration.

Visiting the Sliding Jail Park is like stepping into a snapshot of Jerome’s vibrant past

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The park around the jail has been nicely developed to provide guests with a close-up view of this historical oddity. You will also find some educational plaques that tell the story of the town’s rich mining history and the jail’s unexpected voyage. 

These signs paint a vivid picture of Jerome’s boom years, from its establishment in 1876 through its 20th-century decline, and its resurgence as an artist community and tourist destination.

Photographers and history enthusiasts alike will find plenty of inspiration on this site. There are also local guides who are available to enrich your visit with tales of the inmates who once resided within these moving walls.

Get a glimpse into the challenges and charms of life in an old mining town

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The historic town of Jerome is a must-visit for anyone fascinated by Arizona’s rich, multifaceted history. Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost town explorer, or just in search of something a little out of the ordinary, Jerome’s famous sliding jail is sure to provide a memorable and (literally) moving experience! 

Location: Hull Ave. Near intersection with Diaz St., Jerome, AZ 86331