The Rotary Jail: Escape-Proof Cells on a Carousel, 1882-1966

by W.C. Madden

The rotary jail was a very unusual architectural design. In response to a need for better control over prisoners, 18 of the revolving, escape-proof structures were erected in the United States from 1882 through 1889.

There were problems. There were mechanical difficulties due to the extreme weight of the components. Unwary prisoners lost digits or limbs when carousels were rotated without warning--one lost his life. Because inmates could...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1476666156
• ISBN13: 9781476666150
• Release Date: June 2017
• Publisher: McFarland & Company
• Length: 228 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.9" x 8.9"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher