What characterized early American jails?

Early American jails were often characterized by overcrowding and temporary detention. This was a result of a rapidly growing population and an increase in crime rates during the founding years of the United States. Many jails were not designed for long-term incarceration, leading to a high turnover of inmates who were detained for relatively short periods due to minor offenses or awaiting trial.

The conditions in these facilities were typically poor, with insufficient space and resources to accommodate the number of individuals they held. This overcrowding contributed to unsanitary conditions and a lack of proper oversight, making these environments challenging for both inmates and staff. While there were attempts to regulate jails, the reality of limited resources and the emphasis on quick detentions meant that overcrowding was a significant issue, reflecting the realities of the time regarding incarceration practices.