The Old Gila County Courthouse in Globe, Arizona is a composite of classical designs, but its dominant theme reflects the Italian Renaissance style as interpreted by the architect, who was probably following the revival trend started by the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago. It is a symmetrical building with pilasters rising to an ornate frieze and cornice. Classical details are also found above the main story windows and were along the roofline, especially at the corners.
The building exterior is constructed of locally quarried stone. Brick is used for interior bearing walls, and the floors and roof are framed and sheathed in wood. The classical details, including the frieze, cornice, and window details are of pressed metal.
If the walls in this old building could talk. On October 23, 1889, the Apache Kid's trial was held in the Globe Courthouse. After he was convicted, it was the responsibility of Sheriff Glenn Reynolds to transport him to the Arizona Territorial Prison in Yuma, Arizona. Sheriff Reynolds, his deputy, and their prisoners set out in an armored stagecoach holding the Apache Kid inside. Somewhere near present-day Kearny, Arizona, Sheriff Reynolds let the Apache Kid out of the stagecoach seeing as they were on an uphill climb and he wanted to ease the burden on the horses. The Apache Kid was able to overcome and murder Sheriff Reynolds.
The 1910 Jail’s Haunted History
Part of the Haunted Registry, the Gila County Jail originally opened in the Arizona Territory in 1910, two years before Arizona became a state.
The Gila County Courthouse and Jail houses male and female spirits, adult and children spirits, sounds, voices, cold spots, footsteps, orbs, moving objects, full bodied apparitions and physical touching of living persons.
In the jail there are a number of haunts. One is that of Kingsley Olds, who was accused of drowning his employer’s two daughters in 1911. While Olds awaited trial in isolation, he was mysteriously shot and killed. Shortly before his death, Kingsley Olds claimed he had a visit from ghosts and that he saw visions of the girls motioning him to follow them into death. Ghosts of the two girls are reported to be wandering there. Full-bodied apparitions also have been seen on the catwalk joining the courthouse and jail, among other paranormal activities.
Lots of WILD history in Globe, Arizona.
Learn more about Gila County History at
https://www.discovergilacounty.com/history
For more info on Globe, Arizona visit: https://www.discovergilacounty.com/globe