The Powhatan jail housed prisoners for fifty-seven years. Because of increasing security problems, it closed in the 1920s, and a new jail at Walnut Ridge replaced it after World War I. From 1850 and 1935 this building was a canning kitchen. From 1936 to 1938, it was used as a commercial garage, during which time the west wall was removed. Records indicate that the building was vacant from 1938 until 1965. From 1965 to 1972 it was rented for $100 a year to the Waddell Honey processing plant. This jail became part of the Arkansas State Parks System on July 12, 1970. Along with the courthouse, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 16, 1989. The jail was restored in 1991.