Pottawattamie Jailhouse or as it is commonly known, "Squirrel Cage Jail," is a former holding jailhouse in Pottawattamie county, Iowa, United States. The jailhouse which was made out of bricks on its exterior and metal bars in the interior was the most inhumane and secure in the state of Iowa. Metal rust that caused the sticking of the metal doors forced the correctional department to close and abandoned it in 1969.

Birth of the Squirrel Cage Jail

Pottawattamie Jailhouse was built in 1885 by the state of Iowa. The design of the jailhouse was majorly contributed by the motive to separate and limit interaction amongst inmates. The exterior of the jailhouse was constructed out of interlocking bricks while the interior was made of reinforced bars that were rotatable. The bars were tall hence discouraging any convict with the thought of breaking out.  The whole-cell structure looked like an animal cage hence its nickname the "Squirrel Cage Jail." The cells served their purpose well, it was regarded as the most inhumane jailhouse at the time. Basics that made it serve its purpose well were in the design where only one cell block was operable at a time. When one cell block was opened, it would slide onto the door of the next block. This technique allowed inmates from the opened cell to get out while the rest stayed locked in. 

Decline and abandonment of the jail

Though metals serve their purpose well when it comes to durability, they are usually susceptible to rust. This was the major determinant that led to the closure of the Jailhouse. Over the years, Squirrel cell jailhouse served the intended purpose as a loyal servant would but it would not receive the maintenance it deserves as a token of appreciation. Due to this, the cells began to show signs of fatigue as they would frequently get stuck. After nine years of work to repair the worn-out rotatory cells, it was closed and abandoned.

The state of Squirrel Cage today

Today, the jailhouse is a historical landmark and museum. Ownership was transferred from the correction department of Pottawattamie County to the historical society of Pottawattamie. Though the cells are no longer rotatable as they were during the 1800s and 1960s, the site offers a fascinating experience of the heyday Jailhouse. Squirrel Cage Jailhouse is open to the public to tour any day and time. There are no ghosts or paranormal activities that have been reported from the now ruined Jailhouse. The metals which are currently covered by rust can cause irritation when they get into contact with the eyes. Touching rust can also infect one with tetanus if he or she is cut by the edges.