J Ward facts for kids
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| Location | 1-7 Girdlestone Street Ararat, Victoria |
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| Status | closed as a prison, open for tours |
| Security class | high security criminally insane |
| Capacity | 52 |
| Opened | 10 October 1861 |
| Closed | January 1991 as a prison, Reopened as a museum in 1993. |
| Former name | Ararat County Gaol |
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J Ward was once a prison in Ararat, Victoria, Australia. It was first known as the Ararat County Gaol. Later, it became a special hospital section for people with serious mental health issues who had also committed crimes.
The building of the prison started in 1859. It officially opened in October 1861. In 1887, it changed into a high-security hospital ward. This ward was for people with severe mental health problems who needed special care. J Ward stopped being a prison in January 1991. Then, in 1993, it opened again as a museum where people can take tours.
A Look at J Ward's Past
The first buildings for J Ward began in 1859. They were made to be a prison for the goldfields area. The Public Works Department built them using strong blue stone. On October 10, 1861, the prison opened its doors. It held 21 prisoners at that time.
The first person in charge was Samuel Walker. He had been in charge of another prison before. By 1864, the prison held 40 prisoners. John Gray became the second person in charge in 1867. He stayed in that role for ten years.
From Prison to Special Hospital
After the Victorian gold rush ended, the prison was not needed as much. So, in December 1886, the prison building became 'J Ward'. It was made part of the Ararat Lunatic Asylum. This meant it was now a special place for people with mental health challenges who had also broken the law.
Today, J Ward is a museum. Visitors can explore its history and learn about its past.
See also
In Spanish: J Ward para niños
- Aradale Mental Hospital
- HM Prison Ararat
- List of Australian psychiatric institutions
