Urban explorer ‘Dave’ was invited to explore an old prison which had not been in use for decades and found creepy cells and evidence of prisoners who had been locked up there during his visit
A creepy abandoned prison has been discovered by an urban explorer – complete with features including old cells and a court room left to rot.
The prison was found surrounded by a weed-filled yard which has not been looked after in decades. Dave, from online site Freaktography, grabbed the chance to visit when invited by the current owner. He grabbed his camera when given the opportunity and headed there eager to check out the deserted premises
He shared his trip on YouTube and quickly amassed over 4,000 views of people wanting to take a peek inside the creepy old cells. The urban explorer from Ontario, Canada said: “There’s an eerie silence that follows you through the building, The hallways are cold and there is a cool breeze that seems constantly there. It was much colder inside than outside.”
The original jailhouse was built in 1854 in Owen Sound, Ontario. Additional wings were built in 1869 and 1877 and a courthouse extension came in 1868. A year later high jail yard walls were constructed. In 1889, a governor’s residence was added, which later served as a women’s prison.
One of the things that struck Dave was how small the cells are. There with just enough room for a bed and the tiniest space at the end of it where inmates could perch. He said: “You couldn’t stretch your arms out and if you were a large or very overweight person, you would barely be able to stand without your arms touching the walls!”
Walking through the empty building, he discovered old note pads, tables and chairs, and burnt-out candles. There were also notes written on the decaying walls. One said: “Hawman ’11, last one in the hole.” And others wrote: “Don’t flush before 7am,” and “AHA.”
Dave said: “What shocked me were the conditions to which inmates were subjected, the tiny cells, absolutely no privacy. I don’t exactly know when they used those cells up until, but knowing this facility was in use up into the early 2000s, it is crazy to imagine, in these modern times, inmates may have been locked up in those tiny cells!”
The courthouse, complete with judges platform, chairs and jury stand, was purchased by the city of Owen Sound in 1960 but they did not buy the jail section until 2013. Dave added: “The jail and courthouse closed for good in December 2011 and were then used as office space, but it never lasted.”
The city tried several times to sell the properties since declaring them surplus in 2014 and there were plans about nine years ago to convert the space into a care home, and another proposal for an art gallery. But both parties backed out as the facility did not suit their needs.
Finally in May 2022, the building was sold for $50,000, (£40,000). After posting his video on YouTube @Freaktography has gathered hundreds of comments from viewers. Angelo said: “Looks amazing!” And Rachel commented: “It’s nice that somebody’s gonna renovate this beautiful place.”
Sharon wrote: “Wow!! Love the history of his old jail.” Carla added: “Glad it’s not being torn down! Very cool.” Meanwhile, another commented: “Huh, I had no idea this was in Owen Sound! Cool place.” The new owners, from FC Entertainment & Hospitality Inc, plan to convert the jailhouse, courthouse and governor’s residence into an events venue, entertainment complex, interactive museum and shared workspace.