Built in 1888, the Old Jail is one of the three oldest public buildings in Darien. Along with housing McIntosh County’s inmates, the sheriff and his family lived here. In the 1930’s, the front tower (pictured above) was removed and a front porch added. The last jailer was the mother of Sheriff Tom Poppell, who was in residence with her family until the 1970’s. In 2002, a new jail was built, and the old jail was abandoned.

Thanks to the industry of members of the newly formed McIntosh Art Association, this historic landmark was restored to serve a happier purpose. The renovated facility reopened in 2007 as the McIntosh County Old Jail Art Center and Museum.