This building was constructed in the 19th century as a small city jail located directly next to the local courthouse. At the time, it was common for towns to maintain their own detention facilities where suspects could be held while awaiting trial. Because of its location, prisoners could be moved easily from their cells to the courtroom without the need for transport.

The facility was mainly used for pre-trial detention and short prison sentences. Inside were simple prison cells, corridors with barred doors, and a few rooms used by guards and administrative staff. Compared to larger penitentiaries, it was a relatively small detention facility that primarily served a practical role within the local judicial system.

Throughout the 20th century the building remained in use, but over time it no longer met modern standards for detention facilities. In the early 21st century a newer and larger prison was built in the region, and the old jail was closed soon after.

Since then, the former prison building has largely stood empty and is now seen as a reminder of a period when many towns operated their own small jails connected directly to the courthouse.