Allegheny County Jail


The old Allegheny County Jail in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is
part of a complex designed by H. H. Richardson. The buildings are considered among the finest examples of the Romanesque Revival style for which Richardson is well known.
The jail was built by the Norcross Brothers between 1884 and 1886, and the courthouse was finished in 1888 under the supervision of Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge. The two structures are linked across Ross Street by a "Bridge of Sighs". Additions were made 19031905 by Frederick J. Osterling.
In 1892, anarchist Alexander Berkman was held here awaiting trial for the attempted murder of industrialist H. C. Frick. In 1902, condemned brothers Jack and Ed Biddle escaped from the jail with the aid of the warden's wife.
The jail and courthouse were added to the List of City of Pittsburgh historic designations on December 26, 1972. They were added to the List of National Historic Landmarks on May 11, 1976.
A new jail opened in spring 1995, and the original jail now houses the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas Family Division.

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