Monterey Jail Register
Finding aid created by Monterey Public Library staff using RecordEXPRESS
Monterey Public Library
2023
625 Pacific Street
Monterey, California 93940
(831) 646-3741
https://monterey.org/library/services/research/history_room/index.php
Title: Monterey Jail Register
Dates: 1850-1872
Collection Number: ARC 507
Creator/Collector:
Extent: 1 register (128 p.); 28 cm.
Repository:
Monterey Public Library
Monterey, California 93940
Abstract: The Jail Register, Monterey County, 1850-1872, provides a unique window on Monterey County and on Monterey, the county seat,
during the period of transition to American law and government. This historical record also offers evidence of the method
and conduct of law enforcement in Monterey during a sometimes turbulent and violent time of social and economic transformation.
The Register clearly documents who was prosecuted and for what actions they were jailed (and sometimes hanged). More than
six hundred inmates are recorded. Some "broke jail." And, in a few instances, citizen's broke into the jail to hang an inmate.
Language of Material: English
Access by appointment only; contact Local History Librarian or designated staff.
Reproduction by Local History Librarian or other designated staff; may be restricted due to condition of the materials.
[Identification of item]. Monterey Jail Register. Collection Number: ARC 507. Monterey Public Library
Biography/Administrative History
Beginning in April 1850, the Jail Register records those inmates who were incarcerated in the adobe jail, which had been built
under the supervision of Alcalde Walter Colton. On September 1, 1854, the Monterey Sentinel reported that the new granite
block jail, also built by Colton, featured several security measures, including iron plated windows, a ball and chains, leg
irons and other equipment. Beginning in 1855, inmates were housed in the new jail, located adjacent to Colton Hall.
Scope and Content of Collection
Jail register of Monterey County and the City of Monterey, containing 644 prisoner entries. Entries listed under categories:
name of prisoner, number, date committed, by whom committed, charge, discharge date, authority, time boarded, and remarks.
Arranged chronologically within register.
Prisoners
Registers
Administration of Criminal Justice
Thomas Watson
John W. Miller
Jacob R. Leese
Monterey, California
Registers