The Historic Old Jail

We are Marshall locals committed to creating a strong link between Appalachia’s rich past and its blossoming future. Our building has always been a hub for community life, a gathering space in our little town above the French Broad River on the edge of the Pisgah National Forest. There has been pain here, as with any place of incarceration. Yet beyond the institution are memories of a place where community thrived, connected, and conversed for generations.

Its complicated tale is a testament to the unique culture of Appalachia, a place that’s seen both hardship and struggle and togetherness, hope and joy. It has a legacy defined by the community of our small mountain town. By friends, family, elders and neighbors.

Part art hotel, part museum exhibit, part historic preservation, our guests can enjoy modern amenities while they travel through time. Original architectural pieces, artifacts, historic photos and documents are displayed throughout the building to create an immersive storytelling experience. A love letter to our community and the people who have shaped it, and a look into the future we are building together.

“If there’s any hope in the world for a young boy, the last place in the world for him is a jail.”

— E.Y.PONDER

A Community Cornerstone, Est. 1905

The Old Marshall Jail was a center for small town Appalachian life for over a century. When the old jail officially closed in 2012, it retired as the oldest operating jail in North Carolina history. For 116 years, the Old Marshall Jail stood at the center of Marshall, North Carolina, stalwart during rising rivers and boom times. In its halls, the community has recorded life, death and drivers licenses.

Many locals recall the Old Marshall Jail as a gathering place in the heart of town. This building stands as a testament to Appalachian life, of community bonds, neighbors and family and struggles and survival. Its existence and past are mirrors to the duality of these Southern mountains and the way our community has made them home.

If These Walls Could Talk

“If these walls could talk” is a common refrain. These walls have heard many secrets and stories.

Embedded in each brick is the history of our building dug up in town archives or told to us by generations of locals who have spent time here.

From heartache to heroism, these walls tell it all. We aim to create an space that honors the magic of storytelling while inviting guests to imagine new possibilities and new memories inside these walls. An immersive look into the rich culture and magic of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

A New Beginning

In 2016, four business partners bought the jail with the hopes of reviving the shuttered iconic building into a new iteration.

Co-owner and artist, Josh Copus, and a team of local craftsmen, completed an extensive renovation - focusing on preserving the structures and unique aspects of a decaying building while outfitting it to meet the modern age.

And a bright future

For five years, we carefully deconstructed the original structure, preserving the historic aspects of the building and piecing it back together into a fully renovated and reimagined space. In 2021, we officially launched the Old Marshall Jail Hotel and Zadies Market, reviving this tenured building to serve a new generation of Marshall locals and visitors alike.

The Old Marshall Jail of today stands as a a reminder that all things, and all people, deserve a chance at new life.

Legends & Lawmakers

Our Museum Halls offer visitors an opportunity to peer into 100 years of Madison County history. The entire building hosts a collection of manuscripts, logs, photographs and artifacts generously donated to us through community members and archivists.

We invite you to get to know Jeff Bailey and Omar Smith, who proudly told us how they escaped through the ceiling. Read the field notes of legendary Madison County Sheriff E.Y. Ponder, wearing a suit and never carrying a gun. Round up moonshiners with Jesse James Bailey during prohibition. Imagine Geraldine, the dispatcher, making biscuits in the morning (and maybe even meet her). Or trek the route down to the river on a spring morning, where serving out your sentence would mean going fishing for the day…just as long as you were back before sundown.

Arts & Culture

The Old marshall jail is an arts & history hotel celebrating the creative spirit of Marshall, NC

Appalachian Ballad Swaps at Zadie’s Market

Zadie’s Market, Every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 6-8 pm

Ballad Swaps nights at the Old Marshall Jail offer the rare opportunity for visitors to experience Appalachian folk music in person, while enjoying a cold beverage and a great meal. We are lucky to have several talented ballad singers here in Marshall, including our very own Donna Ray Norton at the Old Marshall Jail, who’s flock of songbirds host a traditional Ballad Swap right here on our downstairs patio. The tradition of Appalachian ballad singing is a vital part of the cultural identity of the Appalachian people. Originating from the Irish and British folk ballads of early settlers, ballads are passed down through generations, with each rendition carrying the unique interpretations and nuances of the singer. A uniquely special form of Appalachian heritage that lives through those who seek to preserve the integrity of musical heritage, tradition, and storytelling through the art of song.

Josh Copus Pottery

Josh Copus is the co-owner of the Old Marshall Jail Hotel and Zadies Market. He is a ceramic artist and creative entrepreneur who is featured in galleries throughout the United States, including Blue Spiral in Asheville. He makes most of his pottery in a woodfire kiln in Walnut, about 10 minutes from the Old Marshall Jail. His large sculptural vessels, tiles and functional tablewares are showcased throughout the building and available for purchase. Josh is also an accomplished welder who created many of the custom sconces and railings you see throughout the building.

Featured Photography

Explore Marshall

Photograph by Baxter Miller from Our State Mag, “A Storied Stay at the Old Marshall Jail” by Ryan Stancil

Marshall, North Carolina

The town of Marshall is rich in history, arts and scenery. A small Appalachian town dedicated to cultivating a creative community while preserving its roots.

Downtown is home to family-owned storefronts, art galleries, unique shops and gift stores, restaurants with local fare, a Sunday afternoon farmers market on the island, and more.

Marshall hosts several popular regional festivities throughout the year, like the Annual Mermaid Parade, Marshall Gras, and monthly Third Thursday crawls. Visitors can browse the several galleries downtown, or explore the classes, exhibits, shows and concerts offered throughout the year, often centered on mountain culture.

The Old Marshall Jail sits at the heart of downtown Marshall, NC. Walking distance to all downtown has to offer. Step outside the front door and look to the right to see the historic courthouse designed by Richard Sharpe Smith, who also contributed to the design of the Biltmore Estate. To our left, guests will find unparalleled views of the French Broad River as it flows north to the Tennessee border.

Mad Co Brewing - Locally owned brewer, taproom, and pizza kitchen with river views and small bites

Main Street Cafe - Quaint cafe with classic breakfast and lunch options and outdoor seating

Mal’s Bar - Casual and cool local bar with beer, wine, and non-alchoholic options, pool table, and live music events

Madison Natural Foods Market - Small local grocer and market with a selection of organic food options, locally grown produce and grab and go options.

Dining and Drinking

Zadie’s Market - Our bar and restaurant located on the main level, serving lunch, dinner, and brunch Wednesday-Sunday.

Zuma Coffee - Favorite local cafe and coffee shop, serving breakfast and lunch with daily specials.

Ivy & the Poet - Local bakery with a selection of fresh baked goods and pastries

Star Diner - Upscale American dining for dinner and brunch, reservations recommended

Sweet Monkey - Local caterer’s brick-and-mortar location

Arts & artists

Madison County is home to many artists in the Western North Carolina region. The Madison County Arts Council is located downtown and a great resource to discover many local artists.

Blannahasset Island & Marshall High Studios is located aross the bridge, a beautiful park, playground and half-mile nature trail with great views of the river. Marshall High Studios sits in the center of the island, and although it’s not open to the public, the space sometimes hosts open house events for a chance to peek inside the studios of many local makers.

Flow Arts on Main Street is a local artist owned shop, studio and cooperative that has rotating artists-in-house.

Local Artists include:

Lainard Bush
Susan McChesney
Martha Skinner
Josh Copus
Rob Amberg
Tim Barnwell
Azule (Hot Springs)
(And many more…)

Downtown Shops

Penland & Sons
Flow Arts
Of Wand and Earth
Carolina Flowers
Main Street Comics & Games
Modern Off-Grid Store
Madison Natural Foods Market

Outdoors and Adventure

French Broad Adventures - Adventures on the river! French Broad Adventures offers guided rafting trips, kayaks, ziplining, and canyoneering expeditions that will be fun for the whole crew. Book in advance. Old Marshall Jail Hotel guests get 10% off when they book online or over the phone.

Sandy Bottom Trail Rides - Explore the high country on horseback. Sandy Bottom offers guided horseback rides along picturesque trails on a private, family-owned ranch.

NEARBY HIKES

Laurel River Trail
Rich Mountain Fire Tower
Shelton Laurel Backcountry
Max Patch
Paint Rock
Bailey’s Mountain Preserve

Spa & Hot Springs

Spa at Capitola Mill - Luxurious spa & sauna house in downtown Marshall, right across the bridge inside the historic and beautifully renovated Capitola Mill. The Spa offers a range of modalities and services in massage, facials & esthetics, reflexology, and bathhouse sauna sessions.

Hot Springs Resort & Spa - A wonderful way to unwind amidst the beauty of Western NC, book an hour at Hot Springs in one of their outdoor hot tubs supplied with natural mineral water directly from underground springs. Located in Hot Springs, NC - about a 20 minute drive from downtown Marshall.

Hotel Policies

At the Old Marshall Jail, we want to create an experience that is memorable and enjoyable for all guests and respects our town and historic building. These policies are considered part of your reservation agreement. By booking a room with us, you are agreeing to our policies below.

Check in/check out

Check in time is 3 p.m. Check out time is 11 a.m.

We use a contactless check-in and guests receive their room information prior to arrival. The hotel is located on the second floor of the building, we do not have an elevator on-site.

Entry to the hotel is secured for guests-only for added privacy and security. Guests will have access to all common areas of the hotel during their stay. We offer fresh spring water in the downstairs lobby as well as a self-serve station with extra fresh linens and room amenities.

Parking is provided for hotel guests in the front of the building.

quiet hours

Quiet hours are from 1o p.m. until 8 a.m. We ask guests to refrain from talking in the hallways, making loud noises in the rooms and slamming doors during this time. The deck is available for hotel guests only during this time, but guests should maintain quiet on the deck. Please be respectful of other guests.

cancellation policy

Reservations are fully refundable up until 30 days of arrival date. Cancellations within 30 days are 50% refundable. Cancellations within 7 days are fully non-refundable.

There is a $75 nonrefundable dog fee per pet for guests staying in dog-friendly suites, Bailey’s Branch Suite and the Sheriff’s Suite. Maximum of 2 dogs per suite. Dogs must be under 50 pounds. Dogs are not allowed in the bunkrooms.

Requirements: Dogs should be housebroken. Dogs should not bark. Dogs should not be left in rooms unattended. Dogs should not be aggressive.

All dogs must be on leash in common areas and outside the building at all times.

Guests violating the dog policy will be asked to leave. Guests will be billed for any damage to furniture, linens, walls, doors or other areas of the hotel.

Other pets are not allowed.

Pet policy

We offer whole hotel bookings and room blocks for parties and events. Whole hotel bookings include the 4 suites, 2 bunkrooms and exclusive use of our upstairs deck. To reserve the hotel and check availability and pricing, please contact us at info@oldmarshalljail.com