"York's Old Gaol was probably started by a court order on April 1707 directing 'that a small prison be erected in York forthwith.' In 1737 the court ordered the construction of a wooden addition to the stone dungeon. This probably consisted of a kitchen and large room and entry over the cellar. The dungeon was called the Gaol and wooden addition was known as the Gaol House.

"The re-opening of the Gaol took place on 4 July 1900, with a large gathering present. The first stone Gaol in Maine was repaired and restored. It is generally conceded that is the oldest remaining English municipal building in the country."

Excerpted from Old York, compiled by John D. Bardwell, published by Alan Sutton, Inc., Augusta, ME, 1994.

Located at 4 Lindsay Road in York, Maine, it has been restored and preserved as a museum.

Inscription reads, "York Gaol."