Knox City

Front View

This interesting metal cage was housed in a cinder block building in town and moved to City Hall when the original structure became unstable.  This cage is one of the smallest I have encountered.  It measures 11 ft. across the front and 6.6 ft. on each side.  The two cells are only about 5.5 ft. x 6.6″ in size (36.3 sq. ft.).  In this small space two prisoners were kept.  The doors are 28 in. wide and 6 ft. tall.  It is owned by the city.  Its date of construction is not known to me. I am grateful to the city for moving it to a place where it can be seen by everyone and protected instead of being sold for scrap.

An employee at City Hall told me that this cage used to repose in a wooden calaboose in town.  An article in The Knox County News (Vol. 5, No. 46, Ed. 1) dated December 3, 1909 reports that a calaboose is being built.  It is possible that this cage was in that building.

“The citizens of the town are now taking a very commendable step in having erected a calaboose in which to put unruly characters. Heretofore there has been no place for this purpose and no officer could do his full duty without such a place. It is now under construction in the northwestern part of the business district, fairly well away from the business sections. Now let’s have order!”

An article in the same paper (Vol. 5, No. 48, Ed. 1) dated December 17, 1909 reports that “Knox City has just built a calaboose for the accommodation of any obstreperous visitors who may pay them a visit.”

“Right you are, but up to date it hasn’t had an occupant.”

Side View

Rear View

Metal Beds

The various floor plans for metal cages were documented.  This one conforms to Floor Plan 2a (See ____).