Law Enforcement in Mankato

Mankato was settled in the early part of 1852. Most of these early settlers were good people who worked hard to make their homesteads prosper. Occasionally, these people had disputes with each other, or violated one of Mankato's few laws, and this is where the police stepped in.

Before Mankato had an official jail, a room in any vacant building was rented for the purpose of holding a prisoner. Four year after Mankato began, the County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution to build the first courthouse and jail. This building was completed on January 1, 1857 and was the first county building to be erected in Blue Earth County. The building was divided into two cells by a 3 inch oak partition. The sheriff's house stood in front of the jail, so he could keep a close eye on any prisoners. This first structure was located 100 feet west of the corner of Walnut and Fifth Streets.

As the population of Mankato continued to grow, so did the need for a larger jailhouse. After serving Mankato for about 10 years, a newer building was built in 1867. This building had two stories and a basement and also served as a courthouse. Unlike the older structure, this jail had facilities for women prisoners as well. This combination courthouse and jail served the county for 28 years.

In 1885, the present Blue Earth County Courthouse was completed and the old courthouse/ jail was turned into a larger jail. Then in June of 1895, a newer county jail was completed. This new building was built at a cost of $28,000, was three stories tall, and stood on the corner of Walnut and Fifth Streets.

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Sources:

List of Officers and Commisioners of Blue Earth County, MN 1853-1880. Courtesy of Blue Earth County Historical Society http://willow.internet-connections.net/reg9/bechs

Tindall, Edwin. The History of the Blue Earth County Jail. Unpublished.