LUCAS – The roof has been restored on a tiny limestone jail that dates back to the early 1900s, and tourists can peak in the window and imagine being a captive there.

Dennis Cross, a Sylvan Grove mason, replaced failing mortar and patched a large hole in the roof on the north side of the jail.

The historic jail in Lucas is made of the post rock limestone unique to central Kansas. The project was completed as the new Kansas Post Rock Limestone Coalition is getting started in the 18-county region.  Organizational meetings of the coalition have been held in Lucas.

Structures like the jail are being highlighted and preserved, so travelers can learn about this unique building material used by settlers who came to the area between 1870 and 1920. Eventually self-guided tours will be available from a website and visitor center, and the jail will be a featured stop on a tour.

The project was funded by a Foundation grant and a donation from the Lucas Historical Society.  The historical society has a larger vision to create a museum in the vicinity.