I live in Shelbyville, Bedford County, Tennessee and I am attempting to add our “Old County Jail” built in 1867 to Google Maps.
A newer jail was built next to it in the 1960’s but was leveled in 2022 as it was integrated into the new Judicial Center several miles away.
The “Old County Jail” still exists and has never been on Google Maps and it was not a part of the 1960’s building that is still listed on Maps but marked as “permanently closed” and is nothing but a parking lot.
I attempted adding the “Old County Jail” as a historic landmark using a “Plus Code” taken directly in front of the plaque from National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) that is located on the back of the building. I added eight photos of the old stone building and historic plaque. When I submit the new add I get a message stating “Place may already exist” even though it does not.
My new add was denied yet all of the photos I posted show up as “Unknown location”.
I am open for any recommendations or help getting our 1867 historic landmark listed!
Hi @inDixie
Google Maps is not the place to add historic sites. In stead Google Maps is about live and active places of interest to people today. So, the reason why it is not getting approved could be that such places are not eligible to a pin on Maps.
Historic landmarks need to be of huge significance. So if only a parking lot and maybe a plaque is all that is left, I would not even attempt to add such a place.
There is a pretty powerful automatic system in place to prevent the creation of duplicate places. That can also explain your issue.
Cheers
Morten
Thank you for a prompt reply.
The entire building is unique and in great shape. Even though the inside is not open to the public at this time the building is very visible to all who pass. It is a great photo op with much history for many visitors to our small growing town.
Hi @inDixie
It is possible to add historical places to Maps . If your spontaneous edit does not work, just post in on the Maps forum.
Here is the link: https://support.google.com/maps/community?hl=en&sjid=12242447521461628604-EU
What we need is a screenshot of the email you got from Google after submitting the edit request and make sure the date of the email is visible and more than 2 weeks old.
Also provide a link to/ or the precise coordinates of the precise location.
If you happen to live near that area, take pictures and add them to your post. Then, show some patience.
A product expert can pick it up.
good luck
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