When ground was broken less than a decade ago for the now-not-so new Marion County Jail, there was a wealth of discussion, concern and desires for preserving the 14-decade-old Marion County Jail that was being replaced.

There also was apprehension among preservationists that the old jail would surrender to its years and eventually disappear from the site across from the Marion County Courthouse.

When the concept of a new jail started to solidify, the old jail, built in 1858, was an historic site still in practical use. It is where during the Civil War, for instance, 10 Confederate sympathizers were held prisoner by Federal troops in retaliation for the disappearance of a Federal informant. The men - later generally judged innocent by history - were taken to a field near Palmyra and executed. It is a well-known story - the Palmyra Massacre, one of the most notorious episodes of the struggle between the states. That circumstance alone in most minds, including ours, granted the old jail a full pardon from decay and demolition. It is a pardon, though, that the community needed to sign.

Palmyra Landmarks Inc., a group dedicated to preserving history's standing heritage, stepped in and started a drive to place the site on the National Register of Historic Places. The group is working with Civil War re-enactors to create a Civil War museum from the old jail.

There is progress, as reported to the Marion County Commission on Monday. And that enlivens us.

It appears the old jail is heading for the registry. That news should bolster financial support for restoring and maintaining the building. It will be a fitting reminder of history in a town that is a living, yet progressive, keeper of heritage.

We congratulate the Marion County commissioners - those of a decade ago and since - who looked forward by maintaining the old building's roof and yard until Palmyra Landmarks could obtain funding.

We wish the continued best for Palmyra Landmarks, and its members as they prepare for a tentative May 2 open house.

We encourage you to mark your calendars. On that date, take a tour of history. Listen again to the often told story of the Palmyra Massacre and grasp a sense of your Marion County heritage.

Copyright 1998 Hannibal Courier-Post