Experience small-town Appalachian life, mountain views and artistic amenities from our hotel on the banks of the French Broad River. With four deluxe suites and two efficient bunkrooms, the Old Marshall Jail offers travelers a charming and unique experience amongst the Appalachian mountains and French Broad River.
Our inviting suites are a great place for family vacations or couple's getaways, and our bunkrooms are perfect for busy travelers who just want the essentials. For 116 years, the Old Marshall Jail has stood at the center of Marshall, North Carolina, stalwart during rising rivers and boom times. In its halls, the community has recorded life, death and drivers licenses.
Our inviting suites are a great place for family vacations or couple's getaways, and our bunkrooms are perfect for busy travelers who just want the essentials. For 116 years, the Old Marshall Jail has stood at the center of Marshall, North Carolina, stalwart during rising rivers and boom times. In its halls, the community has recorded life, death and drivers licenses.
Services
Built in 1905, the Old Marshall Jail was a center for small town Appalachian life until it closed in 2012 making it the longest operating jail in North Carolina history. We invite you to get to know Jeff Bailey and Omar Smith, who proudly told us how they escaped through the ceiling. Imagine Geraldine, the dispatcher, making biscuits in the morning.
The Old Marshall Jail Hotel is co-owned by Emily and Josh Copus and managed by the amazing Morgan Diep and her team. We are Marshall locals committed to creating a strong link between Appalachia's rich past and its future. We are stewards of this beautiful perch above the French Broad River on the edge of the Pisgah National Forest.
The Old Marshall Jail comprises four suites with kitchenettes and private bathrooms. It also includes two bunkrooms, which can connect to the suites via an adjoining door. The bunkrooms can also be rented as standalone units with shared bathrooms for guests who are traveling light. With two picture windows, the Sheriff's Suite offers unparalleled views of the French Broad River, our iconic bridge, the railroad tracks and downtown Marshall.
The first floor of the Old Marshall Jail is home to Zadie's Market, which offers the freshest products from local farms alongside specialty goods, a bar, restaurant and an expansive patio with a view of the French Broad River. Grab a drink, a bite, and an unbeatable view of the French Broad River in our historic space.
Our building has always been a hub for community life. Today, the second floor of the building features four suites, two bunkrooms and a spacious deck overlooking the scenic French Broad River. Downstairs is home to our sister business, Zadie's Market, which includes a kitchen, market and bar. The market provides all the essentials and focuses on the finest, freshest local foods.
Reviews (10)
Jack Cooper
Dec 06, 2021
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Joe Browning
Dec 05, 2021
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I can't even begin to describe the excellence of Old Marshall Jail. Josh, Emily, Morgan, and the whole team made our wedding the best possible experience it could have been. We were the first wedding they have ever hosted and it seemed as if they had been doing it for years and years. Absolutely everything was perfect from start to finish and they truly made us feel like the day was all for us. We rented out the entire hotel for our wedding crew and we were absolutely blown away with how the rooms finished and clean. You can still see the heart of the jail in each and every room. Thank you, OMJ
Jim Williams
Nov 02, 2021
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It is hard to adequately describe the unique nature of this place. But a favorite word the owners Josh and Emily use is, “community”. Another might be, “experience”. This one of a kind hotel holds and honors the stories of this COMMUNITY. The sensitive restoration and modern details showcase the LOCAL craftspersons and artists too. To stay in any of the beautifully appointed rooms, pack a picnic with fresh items from the market and have a beverage overlooking the French Broad River offers the EXPERIENCES you will never want to forget and will entice you to book your next stay before you
Jason Sperati
Oct 28, 2021
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The Old Marshall Jail is beautiful and very creatively restored. We have stayed in 3 of the rooms and they are all really comfortable and interesting. The use of old metalwork from the jail is really clever and also functional. The abundance of Josh's pottery in each room is also a really nice touch. The view of the river from the Sheriff's suite is stunning and we loved the private access too! Thanks for creating such an awesome hotel in our favorite town!
Michael Taylor
Oct 25, 2021
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This was one of the most unique hotels I've ever stayed in. The attention to detail in our rooms was amazing. It sits right on the river in the middle of Marshall. There's plenty to do in the area and coming back after a long day hiking was amazing. There's a restaurant and store attached and they were great as well. When we're in the area again, we will be staying here
Raffaella Kalishman
Oct 18, 2021
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What a cool place!! The town is beautiful, the hotel is amazing, and the hospitality is unbelievable. Came all the way from NJ and would go back in a heartbeat. Thanks to Morgan and Josh for making sure we had everything we needed. And although I didn’t get his name, thanks to the bartender downstairs (bc yes, it’s over a tiny bar with a great low key vibe!) for the tasting and the generous pour after a long day with the kids!
Jim Garrett
Sep 30, 2021
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Very clean and modern while keeping the unique jailhouse theme. We stayed in the back street bunkhouse. The room was essentially a cell with bunk beds which was exactly as advertised and what we wanted. The beds were very comfortable and everything was clean. The hall bathroom/ shower was modern and well stocked. There were some great extras we were not expecting like a nice shared porch/deck and adjoining restaurant and deli. Great stay.
Alan Call
Sep 20, 2021
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The Old Marshall Jail is truly a unique hotel experience. The owners have done a fantastic job of incorporating the history of the building into the hotel. Having the bar and market downstairs is super convenient, and the deck overlooking the river and the rail line is a great place to relax.
One word of caution - the rail line is in use, so trains may go by. That doesn't bother me, but it might bother some.
One word of caution - the rail line is in use, so trains may go by. That doesn't bother me, but it might bother some.
Edward White
Sep 14, 2021
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Emily and Josh have done a wonderful job creating an extremely functional work of art that doubles as a hotel/restaurant. Everyone there welcomed us with open arms on short notice. Every single space inside and out is a masterpiece. The use of Josh's original art and reuse of the Old Jail's pieces and parts is truly amazing. Being next to the French Broad River and just beside the train tracks, yes it came by at 4 am, is pretty darn cool. Very well thought out suites that provide a measure of privacy and options. It is very easy to recommend a stay right in the heart of historic Marshall. Get there
Briana Essick
Aug 15, 2021
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The Old Marshall Jail is a true testament to the rich history of the area. Staying there was an absolute delight! With every element of the design so carefully considered you can't help but feel special while you are there. It was the details for me...lovely linens, gorgeous (owner made!) pottery, interesting books, and thoughtful design elements. Every modern convenience but steeped in history. The whole experience is a work of art and a ton of fun to boot! Don't hesitate...book now!
