In 1870 The Honorable William Bigler sold the plot of land where the old Clearfield County Jail sits. George Thorn began construction in 1871, and by 1872 the jail was finished and opened its doors to house suspects and criminals.

The exterior was built of white and yellow sandstone. The front section of the jail was made for the residence of the Sheriff. The rear section was to house prisoners. Along the halls of the cell block, on each side are 6 upper and 6 lower cells.

In its days the jail had many people come to stay. Men, women, and even youths were held there. Some left through the door, others escaped through the windows or out the basement. A few even died there. In 1983 the prison closed and remaining prisoners were moved to another location. Now it is privately owned.