This collection contains materials regarding the jails of three towns in Essex County, Massachusetts: Salem; Ipswich; and Newburyport.

In 1811, land was purchased in Salem to replace the original wooden jail, Salem Jail, and build a new stone jail. The building and land that the original Salem Jail stood on was on was sold. The new jail, known in this collection as the Salem Stone Jail, was constructed from 1811-1813, and then renovated from 1844-1845. The complex consisted of three buildings, the jail, the jailkeeper's house, and a barn. The jail was in operation until 1991, and it is now a restaurant and residences.

In 1652, the second prison in the Massachusetts Bay Colony was built in Ipswich. In 1689, overflow prisoners from Salem during the Salem Witch Trials were held at the jail. In 1812, sixteen British sailors were held at the jail after firing upon Plum Island. The Ipswich High School now occupies the land that the original jail was on.

In 1744, the Newburyport Old Jail was erected on Federal Street. In 1824 the Old Stone Jail was built, and the Old Jail was sold, with the proceeds going to Essex County. The building was later converted to residences. The Old Stone Jail, located at 10 Auburn Street, included the jail, jailkeeper's house, and a barn. In 1923 the property was sold and the barn now serves as an antique shop.