If you’re a fan of haunted history, colonial architecture, and chilling true crime stories, a visit to the Old New Castle County Jail in Delaware should be at the top of your travel bucket list. Nestled in the picturesque and historic riverside town of New Castle, this 19th-century jail may look quiet now—but behind its towering brick walls lie tales of crime, punishment, and unexplained hauntings. Whether you’re a seasoned paranormal investigator or a curious traveler, this site offers a striking mix of dark history and supernatural mystery that’s hard to resist.
In this post, we’ll explore the deep-rooted history of the Old New Castle County Jail, the infamous inmates who once called it home, and the reports of ghostly phenomena that have kept the location buzzing with local folklore and otherworldly intrigue. Tighten your grip on your EMF reader—things are about to get spooky.
The History
Origins and Construction
The Old New Castle County Jail, often referred to as the “New Castle Jail,” was constructed in 1845 and functioned as the main detention center for New Castle County, Delaware. Built using locally sourced bricks and stone, the jail exemplifies mid-19th-century penal architecture with its looming façade and fortress-like appearance. Strategically located along Delaware Street, just a short distance from the Delaware River and the New Castle Courthouse, the jail was part of a larger judicial complex that played a crucial role in the county’s criminal justice system for well over a century.
The jail was designed to hold both male and female prisoners and included multiple cell blocks, administrative offices, and even an execution yard. Some stories suggest that underground tunnels connected the jail to nearby buildings, allowing for secure prisoner transport and the secret movement of detainees. While evidence of such tunnels remains unconfirmed, they remain an enduring part of local legend.
A Hotbed of Crime and Punishment
During its operational years, the Old New Castle County Jail held murderers, thieves, political prisoners, and drunks alike. In the 1800s, it was infamous for its harsh conditions: cramped cells, poor ventilation, minimal food, and little or no sanitation. Inmates were often subjected to inhumane treatment, which included isolation, hard labor, and physical punishment.
This wasn’t just a holding facility; it was a place where justice—sometimes swift and severe—was carried out. Executions were once carried out publicly outside the jail, with the last known hanging occurring in the early 1900s. Not all prisoners ever left the building alive, and multiple deaths—both natural and suspicious—have been documented.
Decommissioning and Preservation
The jail finally closed its doors in 1997 after over 150 years of continuous operation. By that time, modern regulations deemed the conditions outdated and inhumane. Since its closure, the building has been a subject of local preservation efforts, with volunteers and historical societies working to preserve the crumbling structure and keep its stories alive.
Today, the Old New Castle County Jail stands as a time capsule of Delaware’s criminal past. While no longer operational, the site is occasionally opened to the public for historic tours, paranormal investigations, and special events—particularly around Halloween season. During these events, visitors are granted rare access to the cell blocks, yard, and interior corridors, many of which remain untouched since the last inmate vacated the premises.
The Haunt
You can’t walk past the Old New Castle County Jail without sensing something… off. Maybe it’s the way the ivy curls up the brick walls, or how the barred windows seem to watch passersby. Or maybe it’s something more. According to locals and ghost hunters alike, this building isn’t just historically significant—it’s haunted.
Paranormal Reports
In the years since the jail’s closure, reports of strange activity have only grown. Paranormal investigators from across the Mid-Atlantic have visited the site, documenting everything from inexplicable cold spots to electronic voice phenomena (EVPs). Here are some of the most commonly reported phenomena:
- Disembodied Voices: Tour guides and investigators have reported hearing whispers in empty hallways and muffled cries coming from the old cells. These sounds are often too clear to be dismissed as environmental noise.
- Apparitions: Several groups have captured photos of shadowy figures, including what appears to be a male figure pacing inside Cell Block C. Others have noted a woman in Victorian clothing standing near the old women’s wing late at night.
- Cold Spots and Sudden Temperature Drops: Entire rooms seem to freeze over in seconds without any explanation, even in the heat of summer. Many experiences are localized and extremely short-lived—just long enough to unsettle even seasoned investigators.
- Unexplained Equipment Malfunctions: EMF detectors and digital cameras frequently malfunction or drain their batteries without warning when inside the building. Investigators believe this is consistent with strong paranormal energy.
Famous Ghost Stories
One of the most frequently encountered spirits is that of a former inmate known only as “Red.” Legend has it that Red was a volatile criminal in life who died during a prison riot in the early 1900s. His spirit is said to still inhabit the northwest corridor of the jail, where his cell stood. Investigators report hearing loud banging noises, footsteps pacing at night, and a strong scent of tobacco whenever Red’s presence is near.
Another popular tale is of a female spirit nicknamed “Mary,” thought to be the ghost of a woman jailed for infanticide in the 1800s. Descriptions of a woman weeping softly have been prevalent for decades, often heard near where the women’s holding cells once stood. Some visitors have even reported seeing her reflection in windowpanes or feeling a hand graze their shoulder while alone.
The wardens and guards aren’t forgotten either. Some say a presence known as “The Watcher” roams the hallway, wearing period-correct uniform and checking the cells as if still on duty. Witnesses describe hearing keys jangling and doors creaking open even when the building is locked and empty.
Conclusion: Come See (and Hear) for Yourself
Whether you’re drawn by an interest in criminal justice history or a passion for ghost hunting, the Old New Castle County Jail is a must-visit. This historic site offers more than just a glimpse into Delaware’s gritty past—it invites you to step into a story still unfolding. Many believe the spirits of long-dead inmates and wardens have unfinished business, making it a hotspot for paranormal encounters and supernatural discoveries.
If you’re planning a trip to the Mid-Atlantic region or live nearby, keep an eye out for upcoming ghost tours or investigation nights. Many of these events are hosted by local historical societies or ghost-hunting groups and provide once-in-a-lifetime access to a truly haunted landmark.
Bring your flashlight, your camera, and maybe even a digital recorder—you never know who (or what) you might meet behind the bars of the Old New Castle County Jail.