For years, a group of citizens in Burlington have tried to purchase the old county jail and, finally, they have succeeded.

Sunday, March 03, 2002

For years, a group of citizens in Burlington have tried to purchase the old county jail and, finally, they have succeeded.

Through generous donations from community-minded individuals, a $1,000 down payment was made on the property. Now, a committee is being formed to secure grant money to pay off the rest of the $50,000 purchase price and make restorations that will ultimately turn the facility into not only a historical site, but also a museum dedicated to the Underground Railroad.

The old jail is the last standing structure that signifies Burlington as the first capital of Lawrence County. It is only fitting that it be restored so generations to come can catch a glimpse of the county’s past.

But the project is more than just for the Burlington community. By turning the structure into a museum not only will the history of the county be preserved, but so will its heritage. The possibilities are endless.

Schools from all over the county can plan field trips to the museum; natives of the county who have moved away will have a place to visit; new residents will have a place to learn about the history of the county; tourists will have a place to find out about the county’s past. The list could go on and on.

This project, however, will not be a meager one. It will take a lot of blood, sweat and tears to make it a reality. The more support the project gets the more likely it will become a reality.

If you would like to donate to the cause or support the project, call Dave Milem at 894-5787, Betty Burcham at 886-6653, or Virginia Bryant at 532-3514.