The Old Pickens Jail is significant as one of the few early jails still in existence in Piedmont South Carolina. An important landmark in Pickens, the Pickens Jail was originally constructed in 1903 to serve as both a detention facility for county criminals and as the home for the Sheriff of Pickens County and his family. The living quarters for the Sheriff were located in the west side of the building and a small two-story cellblock was located in the east. In 1928 the east side of the building was expanded in order to provide additional space for the cellblock. The Jail is a two-story structure constructed of brick laid in common bond. It features a hip roof with two interior chimneys and 1/1 segmental arch windows with granite sills. At its northeast corner is a two-story crenellated tower constructed of brick laid in Flemish bond. Used as a detention facility until August 1975, the Old Pickens County Jail has since been used as a historical museum and art gallery. Listed in the National Register April 11, 1979.