Jail Ruins, Coloma

George Mathis

The Jail Ruins stands in a wide open field, which creates a large interest for artist and photographers. The structure was built in 1852, where the thick stone walls and double iron bars on the windows made the jail escape proof. It served the El Dorado County until 1862 when the building was sold to its former jailer, John Tensher, for building material. He was most likely responsible for the creation of the partially wrecked ruins.