03/30/2026
In the southwest town of Berrien Springs is a collection of historic buildings. They include a courthouse, log cabin and sheriff's residence. Next to the sheriff's house is an odd shaped foundation and it is what remains of a unique jail. Inside a square brick building the jail. Built in 1870, back when Berrien Springs was the county seat, this jail's design was inspired by Auburn New York which pioneered the humane treatment of prisoners.
The building was a square brick building but inside the 24 jail cells (16 on the first floor and 8 on the second) were arranged in a circle. It was two stories tall and in the center was a sky light and a vent for lighting and fresh air. After the county seat moved to St Joseph in 1894 the jail was left abandoned. In 1916 it was demolished. This replica foundation and cells stand as a reminder of the unique jail that once stood here and is now part of the Courthouse Square maintained by the Berrien County Historical Association.
