Simpson County's fourth jail, the Old Stone Jail, was constructed in 1879 and held civilian prisoners until 1986. Its unusual design was based on a medieval fortress, combining psychological deterrence to crime with an escape-proof enclosure. The jailer's residence, built in Greek Revival style circa 1835, is one of the oldest buildings in Franklin and served as a jail from 1860 to 1879. During the Civil War it housed Confederate prisoners, who left graffiti on the walls, and after the new jail was built in 1879 it was converted to the jailer's residence.