The Don Jail, Heritage Property Plaque, 2006
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Original JPG File | 1957 × 1249 pixels (2.44 MP) 16.6 cm × 10.6 cm @ 300 PPI |
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Screen | 1253 × 800 pixels (1 MP) 10.6 cm × 6.8 cm @ 300 PPI |
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Resource ID
4847
Access
Open
Address
45 Jack Layton Way/ Hubbard Park 548 Gerrard Street East
Credit Line
Heritage Toronto
Date of Creation
2006
Historical Themes
Architectural Heritage, Law and Justice
Program Category
Historical Plaques
Rights
Heritage Toronto
Time Period
1835-1899
Caption
The Don Jail, Heritage Property Plaque, 2006
Description
1859-1864 The Don Jail is one of Toronto's most important mid-nineteenth-century public buildings. Located on a hill then outside City boundaries it was constructed with exacting craftsmanship according to the plans of William Thomas Toronto architect and designer of other landmarks such as St. Lawrence Hall and St. Michael's Cathedral. Even though some cells measured only 1 by 3 metres the Don Jail embodied progressive ideas of penal reform. It was once the largest prison of its kind in North America and included a farm (now largely Riverdale Park) worked by prisoners. The building's Renaissance Revival style made the jail appear suitably intimidating. Seventy executions took place on its gallows including the last in Canada on December 11 1962. After 113 years the old Don Jail building was closed as a prison in 1977 - the east wing completed in 1958 continued to serve as the Toronto Jail.
This plaque was erected with the support of the Riverdale Historical Society.
Designated under the Ontario Heritage Act 2000.
Marker lat / long: 43.666172, -79.353004 (WGS84)