ACCOMACK COUNTY - DEBTOR’S PRISON
LPC was contracted by Accomack County to perform an updated assessment of the Accomack County Debtors Prison to determine any deficiencies or past treatments that are considered inappropriate to the historic period of interpretation. This assessment is an addendum to the 2017 Conditions Assessment completed by Landmark Preservation LLC. Originally built by contractor Selby Simpson as a jailer’s residence around 1782, the small brick structure is a rare example of penal architecture of the colonial period. The structure was converted to the Debtor’s Prison in 1824, when the iron bars, oak batten doors and locks were added. The structure served this purpose until 1849. In November 1910, the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities acquired the property to be preserved as a museum as the Prison is believed to be the oldest municipal building in Accomack County.
The side-gabled structure is constructed of solid brick laid in a Flemish bond with glazed headers. The building is one and a half stories, each floor containing two rooms. There are only fireplaces located on the first floor. The Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities completed repair campaigns in 1911 and 1953. No preventative maintenance or preservation campaigns had occurred since the initial 2017 assessment was completed. As to be expected, deterioration and general degradation has accelerated. LPC’s 2023 assessment documented advanced mortar and wood deterioration on the exterior of the structure. In order to best demonstrate the accelerated deterioration of elements, LPC included side-by-side comparison photos from the 2017 and 2023. Several areas of brick cracking and shifting due to water intrusion and the freeze-thaw cycle were noted. The structure also exhibits deflection in its east and west elevations, as well as the second story floor. Investigative removals will need to be completed in order to determine the causes of deflection and determine the best course of action to stabilize the structure.
