DERIDDER, La. (AP) - Beauregard Parish officials say the century-old Gothic jail in DeRidder may open its doors for tours as early as January.
The American Press reports (https://bit.ly/1eOXZNb ) police jurors held part of their building committee meeting in the jail on Tuesday and discussed tourism and possible renovations.
Lori Darbonne, executive director for the Beauregard Tourist Commission, said the demand for tourism is there.
The building served as the parish jail until 1985 when it was ordered shuttered. A judge found the jail, which had no central heat or air conditioning, cruel and unusual punishment for those imprisoned there.
Darbonne says her organization had $45,000 left over in grant money, and suggested putting it toward doing a study of the jail and its tourism potential.
___
Information from: American Press, https://www.americanpress.com
Please read our comment policy before commenting.