Dubuque’s first jail stood on this site in 1836 and was replaced by this building, which has been in continuous use since 1857 as a sheriff’s residence and jail. Its design is the finest example of Egyptian architecture to survive the classical revival in the United States. The renowned architect John Francis Rague was born in Scotch Plains, N.J., in 1799 and died in Dubuque in 1877. His works included the first Capitol at Springfield, Illinois, in 1837; the first Capitol of Iowa at Iowa City in 1839-40; the Phoenix Bldg. in Milwaukee; three buildings at Wisconsin University in 1844-49; and Dubuque City Hall and Market, three public schools, and the Edward Langworthy octagon house in 1856-57.